2019 will be all about Brexit, whatever the outcome. The construction industry, along with the rest of the UK, is still awaiting clarity on what the future may hold and what it will mean for tradespeople and the wider construction industry.
However, besides Brexit, this year a range of regulatory updates and government-led initiatives are expected to have an impact on the construction industry, potentially affecting thousands of tradespeople across the UK.
Building Regulations and fire safety following Grenfell
Following the Grenfell tragedy in June 2017, the government launched an independent review into Building Regulations and fire safety, which has now resulted in plans to overhaul Building Regulations.
The government has now committed to a programme of reform focused on four key areas which include: introducing more effective regulations and accountability; clearer guidance; prioritising residents; and working with the industry to drive change.
A “radically-new system” was promised by communities secretary James Brokenshire in response to the tragedy, with the government also introducing a ban on using combustible cladding on new high-rise homes. This piece of legislation came in effect in December.
The new implementation plan, Building a Safer Future[1], states: “The government accepts the need to create, in law, a tougher regulatory framework, under which regulators will have greater powers and more opportunities to intervene throughout the lifecycle of a building.”
These new regulations mark the beginning of what is likely to be a thorough and extended period of change for the industry to keep abreast of.
Brexit and the construction industry
Construction output dropped towards the end of 2018 according to the Office of National Statistics, with the continued uncertainty of Brexit highlighted as a contributing factor.
Proposed government plans for immigration post-Brexit has led to many trade associations raising concerns about the potential impact on the skills shortage, as currently 9% of the UK’s construction workers are from the European Union.
If a limit on low-skilled workers is introduced, the industry will need to prepare for the fallout this will have.
Technology continues to be on the rise
With consumers becoming increasingly aware of (and comfortable with) using smart technologies, more suppliers are launching new products in smart home ranges to take advantage of the trend. Considering the growing popularity of these products, tradespeople should look at taking advantage of the increase in customer demand.
Wayne Lysaght-Mason, managing director of IronmongeryDirect, said: “Smart products are redefining the way that a property functions, and there is a clear need for tradespeople to keep well-informed of the developments involving smart technology. With basic home alarm systems now enhanced to monitor, control and interact with a home or business premises from a smartphone or tablet, we are just at the beginning of this smart tech revolution.
“There is still a demand for traditional products, but new smart alternatives should not be ignored. There are some fantastic products on the market, whether you want to specialise in security, lighting, heating or household appliances.”
New VAT rules for building trade in 2019
From October 1, 2019, new rules will be enforced meaning, builders, subcontractors and other trades associated with the construction industry will have to start using a new method of accounting for VAT.
The measure is designed to combat VAT fraud in the construction sector labour supply chain which HMRC argue presents a significant tax loss. HMRC has now published draft legislation to introduce the Reverse Charge for Construction Services.
Tradespeople are advised to keep up to date with the new rules later in the year.
