Menu
08/04/2003
SEC Group Meets with Shadow Trade And Industry Team
The Specialist Engineering Contractors (SEC) Group recently met with various members of the Shadow cabinet to discuss a variety of issues affecting the sector's competitiveness.
Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary Tim Yeo attended the meeting, along with Shadow Construction Minister Henry Bellingham, and both accepted that much could be done to improve the competitive of UK construction businesses.
The proposed Agency Workers' Directive came under scrutiny, with SEC Group citing it as an initiative that would only result in a massive increase in costs for firms in the construction sector - who are heavily reliant on agency workers and would be crippled by having to provide the same terms and conditions to them as to their permanent employees.
SEC Group suggested that firms should have a breathing space – a qualifying period of 12 months – before the equal pay entitlement kicked in, but Mr Bellingham stated that even with widespread support, the maximum achievable was likely to be nearer six months.
There was also an acceptance by everyone, in principle, of the need to promote the need for qualification of firms, but a relatively inexpensive and non-bureaucratic means for recognising acceptable qualification scheme would need to be put in place.
It was generally acknowledged that the reduction of VAT on repair, maintenance and improvement works was necessary to tackle the black economy.
Through the Engineering Employers Federation, SEC Group has already made a plea to the Chancellor to reduce VAT to 5% on such work, and want to see Gordon Brown challenged on this issue after the budget, if the issue is not address.
(CL)
Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary Tim Yeo attended the meeting, along with Shadow Construction Minister Henry Bellingham, and both accepted that much could be done to improve the competitive of UK construction businesses.
The proposed Agency Workers' Directive came under scrutiny, with SEC Group citing it as an initiative that would only result in a massive increase in costs for firms in the construction sector - who are heavily reliant on agency workers and would be crippled by having to provide the same terms and conditions to them as to their permanent employees.
SEC Group suggested that firms should have a breathing space – a qualifying period of 12 months – before the equal pay entitlement kicked in, but Mr Bellingham stated that even with widespread support, the maximum achievable was likely to be nearer six months.
There was also an acceptance by everyone, in principle, of the need to promote the need for qualification of firms, but a relatively inexpensive and non-bureaucratic means for recognising acceptable qualification scheme would need to be put in place.
It was generally acknowledged that the reduction of VAT on repair, maintenance and improvement works was necessary to tackle the black economy.
Through the Engineering Employers Federation, SEC Group has already made a plea to the Chancellor to reduce VAT to 5% on such work, and want to see Gordon Brown challenged on this issue after the budget, if the issue is not address.
(CL)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 August 2015
CME Group Financial Innovation Laboratory Officially Opens
The new CME Group Financial Innovation Laboratory at the Ulster University has officially opened.
CME Group Financial Innovation Laboratory Officially Opens
The new CME Group Financial Innovation Laboratory at the Ulster University has officially opened.
07 July 2011
Tall Ships Race Brings Big Reward For Galvanizers
A galvanizing company is proving success can be plain sailing after securing a role in a major dock renovation project.
Tall Ships Race Brings Big Reward For Galvanizers
A galvanizing company is proving success can be plain sailing after securing a role in a major dock renovation project.
14 April 2011
Richhill Regeneration Gets The Go-Ahead
A £1.5 million regeneration scheme aimed at transforming the village of Richhill has been give the green light.
Richhill Regeneration Gets The Go-Ahead
A £1.5 million regeneration scheme aimed at transforming the village of Richhill has been give the green light.
24 February 2011
Belfast's Titanic Action Plan Launched
Emerging employment opportunities and 'upskilling' are at the forefront of a new scheme based around Belfast's most iconic engineering project. Stormont Employment and Learning Minister, Danny Kennedy, launched the Titanic Quarter (TQ) Work Group Action Plan for Employment, Training and Skills this week.
Belfast's Titanic Action Plan Launched
Emerging employment opportunities and 'upskilling' are at the forefront of a new scheme based around Belfast's most iconic engineering project. Stormont Employment and Learning Minister, Danny Kennedy, launched the Titanic Quarter (TQ) Work Group Action Plan for Employment, Training and Skills this week.
26 November 2003
'Wealth' company group censured for financial irregularities
St James's Place Wealth Management Group plc has been fined £250,000 by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) over serious monitoring and record keeping inadequacies.
'Wealth' company group censured for financial irregularities
St James's Place Wealth Management Group plc has been fined £250,000 by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) over serious monitoring and record keeping inadequacies.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
