The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has announced the formation of the Employment Affairs Group, a new initiative aimed at fostering collaboration among leaders, HR professionals and employers within the construction industry.

The Employment Affairs Group has been established at its inaugural meeting this month to address the evolving needs of the construction industry related to employment, training, and legislative compliance. This initiative is a testament to NFB’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities and practices of its members through shared knowledge and collaboration.

The first meeting of the Employment Affairs Group focused on several critical issues impacting the sector. Key discussions included challenges with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), apprenticeship engagement, and the need for a comprehensive approach to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) considering new legislation like the Building Safety Act.

The meeting facilitated a robust exchange of ideas and strategies, with attendees expressing a keen interest in shaping future training standards and enhancing workforce development.

Vaughan Hart, Director of Employment Affairs at the National Federation of Builders said: “The formation of the Employment Affairs Group marks a pivotal moment for the construction industry. This group will serve as a vital platform for sharing expertise and addressing the key challenges we face in employment and training.”

Joanne James, Director at PLP Construction Ltd said: “Participating in the inaugural meeting of the Employment Affairs Group was incredibly insightful. The discussions underscored the urgent need to work together to solve some of the personnel and skills challenges we face as a sector. This group will undoubtedly enhance our industry’s ability to adapt to the rapidly changing employment landscape.”

The Employment Affairs Group will meet quarterly, with the next meeting scheduled for December 2024. Future sessions will delve deeper into performance management, CPD implementation, and the continuous improvement of employment practices within the industry.