The UK construction sector has welcomed an announcement by CITB that it is to suspend levy contributions for the next three months in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Earlier this month CITB asked industry bodies how it could help support their members during the Covid-19 crisis. Industry asked for this suspension to provide much-needed relief to construction companies of all sizes during this public health emergency.
The announcement is part of an extensive package of support CITB is delivering to look after construction employees and apprentices in the current crisis.
Commenting, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Brian Berry said: “I welcome this important step from the CITB to give another boost of support to our construction workforce, especially the SMEs that make up 99% of the industry. While firms will have to pay these Levy contributions eventually, builders are facing urgent cashflow issues today and this decision by CITB will ease the immediate pressure.”
Alasdair Reisner, Chief Executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) said: “We applaud CITB for suspending the Levy, which means that bills won’t be landing on construction companies’ doormats at a time when they are facing significant cashflow challenges.
“We want CITB to keep this situation under review and continue to act to support industry. The shape of future support will vary depending on how this pandemic develops, and will go a long way to ensuring the construction industry is able to play its full part in returning the economy to growth once we’ve won the war against Covid-19.”
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