Covid-19: CITB chief exec update – 27 March 2020

Good afternoon

I hope you’re keeping well after what has been an extraordinary week.

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 are: repeating the important information about our levy suspension, take-up of advanced apprenticeship grants; the Government’s Self-employment income support scheme and CLC site operating procedures.

Take-up of advanced apprenticeship grants

On Tuesday CITB announced we would pay apprenticeship attendance grants for second and third year apprentices in advance.  We are pleased to see that we have already seen over 600 employers apply for this additional support;we would encourage anyone who is eligible to receive this grant to apply here.

CITB levy suspension

As you know, CITB’s board approved suspending the issue of its levy bills, due for payment in 2020, for an initial period of three months (full story here) a decision that will impact thousands of employers. I’d like to thank industry for the positive reaction to the board’s decision.

To see my video explaining CITB’s suspension of levy collection please click here

Self-employment income support scheme

Many construction workers are self-employed so the Chancellor’s announcement of a new self-employment support scheme covering 80 per cent of average profit was welcome. The government will pay up to £2,500 per month for those with average profit of £50,000 or less over the last three years. For more information please click here.

CLC Site operating procedures

To implement the Government’s social distancing recommendation the Construction Leadership Council has published Site Operating Procedures. You can read them here.

CITB’s COVID-19 update 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