Covid-19: CITB chief exec update – 26 March 2020

Good afternoon

I hope you’re keeping well.

This is my latest update on CITB’s work to support the construction industry during the COVID-19 crisis.

To see the support packages CITB has already introduced for employers please visit our COVID-19 update page.

Today my key message is on the CITB’s decision to suspend industry levy collection.

CITB’s board met yesterday (March 25) and gave final approval to suspend the issue of its levy bills, due for payment in 2020, for an initial period of three months.

The bills will subsequently be issued for the full year. The delay will provide immediate financial relief to construction employers during the coronavirus crisis. In normal times CITB assesses and sends out levy bills each April in accordance with legal requirements. CITB levy bills are usually due for payment in May, but CITB will not seek collection on the suspended bills until August, or later if possible. 

Everyone in construction is facing extreme pressure at the moment and it’s right that we provide the financial relief we can to protect employers and ensure that the industry is as prepared as possible for the economic recovery that will come when the crisis lifts.

CITB is reviewing all of its work to respond to the rapidly changing skills needs of industry. We are continuing to re-evaluate our services, funding and grants to adapt them to meet industry’s changing priority needs.

CITB will provide employers with further detail as soon as it can. We understood the need to provide early information, even before all details are available.

Notes

All levy bills, raised before 2020, should have been paid by this point. Employers in arrears should contact CITB to discuss payment options.

We are talking now to the UK Government to influence support for the construction industry, including seeking a financial grant for our work building critical industry skills.

You can watch my video explaining CITB’s suspension of levy collection.

CITB’s COVID-19 updates page is being refreshed daily and includes information on a range of subjects, including Grants, Funding and the NCC. 

To read the range of support measures made available to UK businesses and employees by the UK Government please click here.

Kind wishes

Sarah Beale

Chief Executive