"Reform needed so small builders can get better support from CITB"

In response to the Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) consensus result on the 2022-25 levy proposals, the FMB said that more could be done to enhance the CITB's value amongst smaller builders.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “The FMB is passionate about supporting its members to attract new people into the industry, from all backgrounds, and train existing workers in the skills they will need for the future. It recognises the role of the CITB as a co-ordinating body to help the industry deliver on its skills needs, and while I welcome the consensus outcome, my members expect better results from their training body.”

Berry concluded: “It is concerning that the perception of CITB’s performance and value of the levy is poorest amongst the smallest firms. I welcome the CITB’s commitment to work with the FMB to address, our fundamental worries about the way CITB communicates; making access to CITB support easier and more transparent for micro firms; bringing greater benefits to small employers; and ensuring fairness of process so that everyone who should pay the levy does so.”