The Association for Project Safety (APS) has launched its ‘Micro Manifesto’ ahead of the UK General Election, setting out priorities it regards as critical for the built environment to help raise awareness of important issues and reset the industry’s safety relationship with government.
The APS wants to further build on a partnership with the next government that continues to empower the built environment to play a full role in tackling challenges particularly around in areas around building safety and mitigating risk within the building and construction industry.
Additionally, it urges the next government to prioritise the development of a skilled workforce through improved domestic training programmes and selective immigration (visa) incentives.
>>Read what the industry had to say about Labour’s manifesto
APS’ ‘Five Asks’ are:
- Training and Skills Development
Issue: There is a significant shortage of skilled workers to meet the housing targets set in all the main party manifestoes, but especially in the Tory or Labour ones, both now launched.
Solution: Invest in comprehensive training programmes, and real, meaningful apprenticeships to build a skilled workforce capable of safely constructing the planned 1.5 million+ homes likely to be needed over the next five years.
APS Ask: Immediate allocation of funds and resources to training centres, and educational institutions – with enforceable output targets.
>>Read what the industry had to say about the Conservative’s manifesto here.
- Planned and Selective Immigration (Short Term)
Issue: Our members tell us that the current domestic workforce is insufficient to meet critical housing targets in the short term.
Solution: Implement a planned and selective immigration policy to attract skilled workers from abroad similar to the Australian model. This would be a short-term tactic for five years.
APS Ask: Fast-track visa processes for skilled immigrants with proven experience and identifiable, ‘provable’ skills in the construction sector.
- Long-Term Construction Workforce Development
Issue: Many UK college/university training programmes are simply insufficient to meet the demand for skilled workers.
Solution: Enhance and expand apprenticeship programmes to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers for future projects.
APS Ask: Partner with industry leaders and educational institutions to design and implement effective programmes relevant to modern methods of construction and developing technologies.
- Environmental Protection in Planning
Issue: Proposed fast-track planning on brownfield sites and abandonment of nutrient neutrality pose environmental risks.
Solution: Ensure all planning and construction projects adhere to strict environmental protection standards to prevent uncontrolled pollutants in sensitive environments.
APS Ask: Implement rigorous environmental impact assessments for all new construction projects. Some pioneering local authorities are showing this can be done; think how much more with government backing.
- Retrofitting Existing Buildings
Issue: The focus on new builds overlooks the potential of retrofitting existing structures to meet modern housing needs and environmental goals.
Solution: Develop a robust and realistic retrofit programme to improve existing buildings’ energy efficiency and safety
APS Ask: Allocate funding and incentivise homeowners and businesses to retrofit their properties.
