Construction policy briefing: February

The first CBI construction sector update of 2021 comes with the UK formally, and finally, out of the European Union, the transition period ended, and a new trade deal with the EU agreed (on Christmas Eve 2020).

It also comes in the middle of a third national lockdown, with the UK finding itself back under tight and restrictive lockdown measures on 4 January until at least, it seems likely, 8 March 2021.

The CBI made sure ministers were aware of the importance of keeping the construction industry open through the lockdown, and firms were encouraged to remain open for business, with Kwasi Kwarteng, Business Secretary, writing to the industry in January to make this clear.

While this helped businesses to support their staff to continue working on construction sites safely, this brought its own challenges, not least creating busy periods on some public transport networks, and highlighting where improvements are needed in workplace testing.

It all makes for some uncertain months ahead for construction and the UK economy. The promising progress of vaccine development and successful start to the rollout programme means businesses can tentatively plan for the future with more confidence, but the near-term remains unpredictable. Here is how the CBI is supporting your firm to make a success of 2021.

Time for something completely different

The CBI’s Director-General, Tony Danker, gave his inaugural speech of 2021 to a Bloomberg audience of CBI members, businesses, and political and social leaders. The speech set out the CBI’s plan to take advantage of disruption to forge a bold, new vision for the decade ahead, and why the country needs its first ever economic strategy.

What the new trading rules mean for your business

The new trading arrangements and changing rules for businesses operating in the EU bring with them new processes and customs checks, which have begun causing challenges for different sectors in the UK.

The CBI’s Transition Hub has the latest information and practical guidance on what the Trade and Cooperation Agreement means for UK businesses, and how to navigate new rules and requirements.

CBI calls for extension of vital coronavirus business support ahead of March Budget

The CBI has used its submission to HM Treasury, ahead of the 3 March 2021, Budget to call for an extension to government support for businesses across the UK.

The submission recognises the significant outlay government has already made to underpin the UK economy. But the combination of a third national lockdown amid new, more transmissible variants of the coronavirus, will unavoidably hold back the reopening of the economy. Many businesses that had hoped to start the year on the front foot are now facing a difficult first quarter of 2021.

The CBI is calling for an extension to business rates relief, and to the Job Retention Scheme, with a recommendation that VAT deferral periods are extended too. We have also recommended that the Bounce Back Loan Scheme evolves so it supports businesses to repay loans as they grow through an economic recovery.

New factsheet: workplace testing guidance for businesses

For firms in construction and supplying to the sector, reliable workplace testing is becoming an increasingly important part of keeping workplaces open, staff safe and keeping productivity levels high.

The testing landscape is rapidly evolving, and the CBI’s NHS Test and Trace Factsheet, containing up to date information on the different approaches that businesses can take to test their employees for coronavirus, is a must-read for any business considering or already testing its employees.

For a more general overview, the CBI has also created a factsheet on the wider workplace testing landscape.

Get involved: decarbonising the commute

The CBI is conducting new research into how new investment in zero-emissions buses, trams, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure could transform the commute for the better.

We are also looking into the role employers can play, incentivising their staff to make the right choices about their journeys to work, supporting environmentally and financially sustainable travel.

How could these changes improve commuters’ quality of life, while providing affordable pathways to reducing carbon footprint?  What will companies need to achieve through their workplaces in a ‘new normal’, post pandemic? And what will businesses expect to see from future infrastructure developments to support this?

The CBI wants to hear from you. Get involved

Get in touch

The CBI is currently planning its priorities for 2021 to support the construction, housing and infrastructure sectors. Get in touch to shape the CBI’s work in these areas, and tell us how we can help your business thrive this year.