Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 14,699 companies....

Construction News

21/04/2011

Levy Payers Given A Boost On Skills Investment

Employers will be given an added incentive to train this year, after CITB-ConstructionSkills' industry-led Board announced that levy payers will receive an extra 12% supplementary payment on their grant claims for the next three years.

From 1 August, this 12% bonus will be added to the 10% rate introduced last year as part of the redesigned £90m Grants Scheme. The extra funding will help to meet the changing needs of industry, reward levy payers and ensure the industry has the right skills in place to support economic recovery both locally and nationally.

The temporary rate – which will apply to all grants, including the apprenticeship package, standard achievement/attendance, plant and other specialist training support – is designed to boost skills and training activity and help businesses prepare for forecast growth in the sector from 2013.
-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd



To put the value into context, the additional 12% supplementary payment will increase the available apprentice package from £9,000 to almost £11,000.

The decision to increase supplementary grant payments temporarily came at a meeting of the organisation's employer-led Board, which last month agreed to invest an additional £25m over the next three years in specific skills and training activities to support the sector following a better than expected year end financial results in 2010.

Mark Farrar, Chief Executive of CITB-ConstructionSkills, said: "It is essential that employers maintain investment in the current and future workforce, and by giving this additional boost to supplementary grants, we can add more value to levy payers, helping firms receive even more value on their investment as they prepare for economic recovery.

"The last two years have been extremely challenging for industry and our latest research shows that more than a quarter of construction businesses in the UK reduced their training activity in 2010, with 18% planning to scale back training further this year.

"However, it's important that they train now to ensure that their workers have the skills to help boost productivity and pitch for emerging new contracts, such as through the Government's Green Deal."

(CD/GK)

Latest Construction News

15/04/2025
Construction of a £70 million student accommodation development at 292-298 St Vincent Street in Glasgow has reached a significant milestone, with the building now visibly rising from the ground. Drone footage has captured the progress of the project, which is a partnership between developer Artisa
15/04/2025
Energy regulator Ofgem is expected to confirm today (April 15) its finalised Connections Reform process, designed to expedite grid connections for renewable energy projects that are ready and crucial for achieving the UK's clean power targets for 2030 and beyond. The new connections system, anticip
15/04/2025
The ambitious transformation of Glasgow’s landmark George Square has moved into a tangible phase with the commencement of the erection of hoardings around the perimeter of the civic space. Starting today, the hoardings will enclose the Square for the duration of its 18-month redevelopment. The pane
15/04/2025
Members of the public are invited to attend a consultation feedback event to discuss the proposed infrastructure associated with a new underground electricity transmission cable between the Kinardochy and Errochty substations in Perthshire. The event will take place on Monday, 28 April, from 4 pm t
15/04/2025
Turner & Townsend have been appointed as project managers to develop a business case for the potential extension of the Borders Railway beyond its current terminus at Tweedbank to Hawick and Carlisle. This key appointment will enable crucial work to progress on the project, including feasibility s
15/04/2025
Arran Community Renewables, a Community Benefit Society based on the Isle of Arran, has secured planning consent for a 6 MW solar farm. The Glenkiln Solar Farm, located approximately 1km west of Lamlash, is projected to generate 5,600MWh of clean renewable energy annually from 2027. The £5 million
15/04/2025
A new Route Map has been published by the Scottish Land Commission (SLC) to ensure communities across Scotland secure tangible and long-lasting benefits from nature restoration projects and investment in the country's natural environment. The practical guide is designed for landowners, developers,
15/04/2025
Award-winning principal contractor Procast Group has further expanded its presence across Scotland with the opening of a new base in Dumfries. The Hamilton-based firm has invested £30,000 in a new warehouse and office facility in the Maxwelltown Industrial Estate in Dumfries and Galloway, marking it
14/04/2025
Glasgow City Council's Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) facilitated the completion of over 1,000 new affordable homes in the city during the past year, despite facing budgetary reductions at the start of the financial year. The initial grant of £78.687 million from the Scottish Government
14/04/2025
A key phase of Scottish Water's £11.5 million project to upgrade a strategic rising sewer main connecting Renfrew and Glasgow is set to begin, resulting in a significant road closure. From Monday, 28 April 2025, Ferry Road in Renfrew will be closed to all vehicular traffic for a period of four mont
Morris & Spottiswood LtdRBT Underfloor LimitedScaftec LtdTALA TrainingK & I Paterson LtdForde Training Services LtdPlant Glazing LtdThe Water PointCRGP LimitedM&C McLean Ltd