New UK government urged to speed industry reforms

UK: The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is urging the new Conservative government to use its parliamentary majority to deliver much-needed reform and investment for the engineering and construction industries.

In conjunction with the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), BESA is calling for “much-needed reform and investment” and action on five specific points covering the environment, late payments and retentions, investment in construction, building regulations and training.

The two associations call for “active and prompt action” in 2020 towards a low to no carbon UK, on the way to a net zero carbon economy. As part of their on-going campaigns, they call on the government to bring forward legislation to hold cash retentions in trust, as well as clamping down on late payments.

They also want the new government to provide certainty to industry by committing to investment in key long-term construction projects, and substantially investing in general infrastructure, including the railways and building 300,000 new homes every year. 

In addition, BESA and the ECA want the full recommendations of the Hackitt Review enacted, as well as seeking support for apprentice and mature candidate training, and ensuring any proposed “Australian points-based system” recognises the UK’s skills shortages.