After a year in which the construction industry in Scotland moved from crisis to recovery and rebuilding, members of the CICV Forum are looking forward to 2022 in a positive frame of mind. Asked about their wish-list for the sector for the coming year, its leading members expressed a strong desire for the continuation of […]
Category: coronavirus
Forum issues winter warning and insists industry must stay COVID smart
As Scotland prepares for its second coronavirus cold snap, the CICV Forum has urged the sector to focus on health and safety to protect colleagues, customers and families from another winter of discontent. The collective warns that COVID-19 is still a serious threat and vaccinations can only help so much – insisting that it’s vital […]
New video issues safety reminders as restrictions are relaxed
The CICV Forum has issued another in its series of engaging advice videos, reminding workers how to keep themselves and others safe as the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed. The 90-second animation is the latest in a string of easy-to-follow Forum films designed to help construction workers protect themselves and their colleagues, customers and families after […]
Forum issues new guidance and urges caution over easing of restrictions
As Scotland moves towards further easing of restrictions, the CICV Forum has issued more timely guidance and sounded a cautionary note, urging the sector to keep its focus on health and safety to protect colleagues, customers and families. The unique collaboration says the sector is “not out of the woods yet” and, with COVID-19 still […]
Key industry figures reveal highlights as Forum marks its first anniversary
After marking the anniversary of its first-ever meeting, key members of the CICV Forum have revealed their personal highlights of working together for the ever-expanding collective. The unique collaboration of trade associations, professional bodies, companies and individuals has helped guide the industry and public through a year of massive upheaval with a wealth of information […]
Forum helps workers stay safe with new and updated guidance
The CICV Forum has issued a suite of new essential guidance to help the construction sector’s operatives continue to work safely on essential projects during lockdown. The campaigning collective has made three revised advice documents available to companies, associations and workers across the country, covering the latest health and safety information in a comprehensive range […]
Essential construction work ‘can continue during lockdown’
Essential construction work is being allowed to continue in Scotland, following the lockdown announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday 4 January. Specific rules have been given to tradespeople, governing what type of work can be carried out during this time. Domestic workTradespeople should only go into a house to carry out or deliver essential work […]
Forum backs calls for industry to ‘play its part’ during lockdown
The CICV Forum has echoed calls for the industry to “play its part” during lockdown and has urged workers to keep following vital health and safety guidance. The Forum has reminded contractors to observe new rules after the Scottish Government strengthened lockdown restrictions on Wednesday, making the ‘stay at home’ guidance enforceable by law. The […]
Forum mask campaign urges greater safety during lockdown
With essential construction work set to continue during the latest lockdown, the CICV Forum is urging operatives to make a safe start to 2021 with a colourful new face mask campaign. The unique collective has launched an animation and downloadable infographic to remind workers that it’s vitally important to help protect everyone by following the […]
Forum members reveal Christmas wishes for 2021
Cooperation and collaboration, greater worker welfare and a top-to-bottom revolution of the construction sector are all top of the Christmas wish-list for members of the CICV Forum. With a year of massive and unprecedented upheaval drawing to a close, we asked our 100-plus members to reveal their greatest wishes for 2021 – with the answers […]
Becky scoops award for tireless health and safety work
The chair of the CICV Forum’s health and safety sub-group has received one of the building services industry’s top honours for her tireless work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the sector’s workforce was able to operate as safely as possible. BESA health & safety advisor Becky Crosland received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the H&V News Awards […]
Minister joins Forum in urging sector to stay safe outside work
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart has joined the CICV Forum to remind construction workers to stay COVID smart in their social lives and when travelling to and from jobs. Mr Stewart insisted it was “essential” for the sector’s staff to keep following guidance to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the virus among customers, colleagues, […]
Forum and CSIC launch new Be Covid Smart digital learning toolkit
In its latest initiative to help Scotland’s building sector get safely back to work, the CICV Forum has used cutting-edge technology to create a digital learning toolkit to promote best practice. Working closely with Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), which links business, university experts and public sector providers, the Forum has launched the Be Covid Smart training and learning […]
New travel animation helps keep sector moving safely
The CICV Forum has released the latest in its series of engaging COVID-19 animations – this time offering essential advice on how workers should travel to and from work safely. Produced in response to sector feedback, the latest guidance outlines a range of practical measures that contractors can follow to protect themselves and help prevent […]
David joins expert panel for first Forum webinar
A leading financial expert has joined the panel of experts offering advice on project bank accounts (PBAs) at the first CICV Forum commercial webinar. David Rennie, Relationship Director at the Royal Bank of Scotland, will play a starring role in the opening Forum webinar on Tuesday 15 September, which aims to help construction industry professionals […]
Industry urged to have its say in recovery plan
The Scottish construction industry has been urged to have its say in the new draft recovery plan for the sector, launched last week by the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF). The plan, which has been created collaboratively with the industry, sets out the pathway for joint action in response to the impact of COVID-19 on […]
Forum collaborates in creation of new CLF recovery plan
A draft recovery plan for the construction sector in Scotland has been launched by the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF), with input from members of the CICV Forum. The plan, which has been created collaboratively with industry, sets out the pathway for joint action between industry and the public sector in response to the impact […]
Forum to host second health and safety webinar
The CICV Forum is to host another health and safety webinar, delivering invaluable updates and the latest developments to help the sector continue its safe recovery. The free online session will take place on Wednesday 26 August and will again be hosted by Becky Crosland, Health and Safety Adviser at the Building Engineering Services Association […]
100th member and 50th piece of advice celebrated
The CICV Forum is celebrating a double milestone this week – welcoming its 100th individual member and releasing its 50th piece of guidance. The Forum’s Commercial sub-group has been joined by Bridget Lambert,Strategic Procurement Manager at Renfrewshire Council, who is already contributing her expertise to help the industry continue its phased return. At the same […]
New health and safety guidance helps careful return continue
As Scotland’s building sector continues its recovery, the CICV Forum has issued a raft of new health and safety guidance to help steer workers through the phased return. Seven new pieces of open source collateral have been released, offering in-depth industry advice on topics including face coverings, hand washing, domestic working and what to do […]
New campaign urges workers to stay safe in social life too
As the easing of lockdown measures continues across Scotland, the CICV Forum has launched a new social media campaign urging construction workers to stay safe in their social lives. Using two engaging animations and free downloadable posters, the collective is calling on sector staff to protect colleagues by following physical distancing guidelines in their private […]
Animation puts workers in the picture about safe return to work
In another practical step to help the sector’s restart, the CICV Forum has released a short film outlining the key health and safety steps that all staff should take during the return to work. Entitled Working Together, the 90-second animation illustrates the positive day-to-day measures that workers in the construction industry can take to protect […]
Forum welcomes move to Phase 2 of government route map
The CICV Forum has welcomed further easing of restrictions to help get the sector in Scotland back to work – but insists health and safety and collaboration must continue to be at the heart of an industry-wide approach. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a range of new measures on Thursday 18 June as the Scottish […]
Free signage pack helps employers and staff with safe return
As the construction industry gears up for the next stage of its restart plan, the CICV Forum has once again stepped up by producing a pack of free signage to help with the safe return to work. Designed for sites, depots and offices, the 20 open source documents include essential posters, checklists and fact sheets […]
Forum film embraced and adapted by other bodies
An engaging animation by the CICV Forum has proved such a success that it has been adapted and released by a range of other major organisations across the UK and Europe. The short open source film, entitled In This Together, offers clear and practical advice to contractors and occupiers undertaking essential domestic work. Following its […]
Forum welcomes APS and SPRA as latest members
The CICV Forum has welcomed two new member organisations to its ever-growing ranks as the unique collective continues to attract widespread interest in its work. The Association for Project Safety (APS) and Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) are the latest bodies to become full members of the Forum, which has been at the vanguard of […]
Forum asks: What kind of industry do we want in the future?
The CICV Forum has launched a major consultation among its members to discover what stakeholders want for the Scottish construction industry after COVID-19 – and how to achieve it. With companies beginning a phased return to work, the wide-ranging questionnaire addresses multiple issues which have not gone away during the pandemic and suggests that the […]
Latest advice helps companies preparing to unfurlough staff
The complex question of how to bring Scotland’s workforce safely off furlough and back to work is examined in detail in the latest guidance to be issued by the CICV Forum. With the Scottish Government authorising a phased easing of the lockdown rules, the Forum’s comprehensive 22-page document, Returning from Furlough, provides a practical step-by-step […]
New college safety guide helps apprentices preparing for return
As Scotland’s colleges and training centres discuss reopening, the CICV Forum has helped develop a new set of guidelines designed to keep staff and apprentices safe Compiled by Forum members the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), SELECT and SNIPEF, the presentation outlines practical day-to-day measures that colleges and […]
Forum issues health and safety underpinning guidance
As Scotland’s building sector emerges from prolonged shutdown, the CICV Forum has issued expanded health and safety guidance to help steer companies through the crisis and back to work. The comprehensive 42-page document, Safe Return and Restart, is designed to underpin the Safe Operating Guidance released last week and produced in collaboration between Construction Scotland, […]
Cashflow webinar will offer invaluable payment advice
Following the resounding success of its first webinar, the CICV Forum is immediately staging a follow-up event as the sector begins its long-awaited return to work. The latest online webinar will take place on Wednesday 3 June on the crucially important subjects of cashflow and contracts. It will feature three industry experts – Consultant Len […]
Construction moves to Phase 1 of lockdown
The First Minister today (28 May) confirmed that Scotland will now move to Phase 1 of easing the COVID-19 lockdown. Further details are available here. In her latest announcement she confirmed that the construction sector will be allowed to implement the first two phases (as below, Phases 0 and 1) in its restart plan with […]
After lockdown, managing cashflow will be the real test
Quarry boss Marcus Paine says he’s already looking at life after lockdown – but fears uncertainty over cashflow could leave many SMEs like his family business between a rock and a hard place. The businessman – currently President of CICV Forum member The Stone Federation (GB) – has spent 26 years building up quarrying firm […]
Fast-track adjudication for low-value disputes welcomed
The CICV Forum has welcomed the launch of a new fast-track summary adjudication process for low-value disputes, complete with a capped adjudicator’s fee. As the economic effect of the Covid-19 impacts severely on the construction industry, many contractors in the smaller end of the market are struggling to access dispute resolution even under the reduced […]
Signage helps contractors carrying out essential work
The CICV Forum has issued protective signage for key workers carrying out emergency and essential projects in another initiative to support the construction sector in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic. The posters and stickers, designed to be displayed on sites or on vans, carry the legend ‘Key worker on site: carrying out essential work’. They […]
Forum issues five-point plan to help contractors
The CICV Forum has written to Holyrood urging the Government to adopt a five-point plan to assist contractors through the worst of the COVID-19 crisis. The collection of 23 trade and professional bodies has addressed its appeal to Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning. The letter asks the Scottish Government to […]
Infographic offers key to understanding essential work
A new CICV Forum infographic aims to provide greater clarity over essential work and help the public understand exactly what construction projects key workers can carry out. The infographic was developed by the Forum after key workers reported being harassed and verbally abused during vital construction projects. Forum members reported an increasing number of tradespeople […]
Momentum and membership rise as Forum support continues
The reach of the CICV Forum continues to grow, with more organisations coming on board to help play their part in the recovery of the industry. A total of 78 individuals are now involved, representing 48 different official construction bodies from across Scotland and beyond, including Government agencies, private companies, professional services firms and training […]
Forum welcomes support for Conflict Avoidance Pledge
The CICV Forum has welcomed the news that the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is backing the new Conflict Avoidance Pledge. The CLC this week announced their support for the pledge, which sees clients and contractors committing to implementing conflict avoidance measures in their contracts and on site. The measure, which was developed by the Royal […]
Sector urged to pay it forward when it comes to cashflow
The CICV Forum and Construction Scotland have urged the sector to step up and ensure payments are made on time to safeguard cashflow and ensure business and job survival. As trade and professional bodies continue to pull out all the stops and the Scottish and UK Government provides additional support to keep companies going, the […]
Forum urges vital measures to improve cashflow and save businesses
The CICV Forum has presented Holyrood with a paper of comprehensive recommendations to ease the cashflow crisis as the group continues fighting to save Scotland’s construction sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper, which outlines a series of urgently-needed actions to improve liquidity in the industry, will go to both public and private sector clients, […]
Forum bids to keep key workers safe from intimidation
The CICV Forum is helping to provide greater visibility on what constitutes ‘essential work’ to prevent key workers being harassed and verbally abused during vital construction projects. Forum members have reported an increasing number of tradespeople being intimidated and verbally abused by the public while carrying out legitimate projects in line with CICV Forum guidelines. […]
Forum praises HMRC, but says real test is still to come
The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has hailed the “speed and efficiency” of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme rollout – but says the real test will be if all claims are paid on time. The specialist body said the successful launch by HMRC last week could provide a “vital lifeline” to companies across the country. […]
SFT paper addresses impact of COVID-19 on hub contracts
The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) has produced a paper on how authorities may interpret the provision of the Scottish Government’s Construction Policy Note 1/2020 for existing construction projects in the hub programme. By presenting this view, the SFT hopes that there may be a common approach adopted with appropriate levels of collaboration between authorities and […]
Animation helps contractors and customers stay safe
A new animation launched by the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum offers clear and practical advice to contractors and customers during emergency domestic work. The short film outlines the precautions and operate-at-distance policies that the Forum has issued as guidance to protect everyone against COVID-19. Entitled In This Together, the animation provides parameters during essential […]
Cashflow piles on agony for businesses, Forum survey reveals
Cashflow has completely dried up for nearly 80% of firms in the construction industry in Scotland, according to businesses which responded to a major survey carried out by the newly-established Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum. More than half of firms who took part in the poll also say they’re owed vital monies from public and […]
CICV Forum issues clear guidance on working practices
The newly-established Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has taken immediate action to provide clarity for the sector in Scotland. The group – which represents most professional construction bodies in Scotland – took action following advice from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this week that all building sites with the exception of any hospital work should close. Concerned about conflicting […]
New forum calls for urgent action to protect industry
A new forum of respected construction bodies has suggested a number of simple actions that the Scottish Government could introduce immediately to help with cashflow and protect jobs against the “crippling” background of coronavirus. The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum – which represents the majority of contractor business in Scotland – has sent a joint letter to […]