Following criticism from various trade associations, the Scottish Government have confirmed that tradespeople in Scotland may only operate in other people’s homes if deemed as essential.

The BiKBBI confirmed the BEIS clarification of essential, with an emphasis on delivery, installation and repair of key household furniture and appliances, is as follows:

“Unless there was some sort of emergency and a bathroom / kitchen was necessary for the health and safety of residents I would expect it would not be covered here <referring to the exemptions below>.

More widely, Scottish Government colleagues have confirmed today, that following recent comments by the First Minister, they will continue to monitor transmission in the construction sector. They recognise that the industry has demonstrated strong compliance and a willingness to work with Government to tighten procedures and guidance wherever possible, to tackle the new variance and this is why the majority of construction work can still be carried out.”

The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 – Schedule 18.2(k) provides the “reasonable excuse” for breaching regulations to stay home as follows:

Examples of reasonable excuse 18.

(1) For the purposes of regulation 17, examples of what constitutes a reasonable excuse (see regulation 5(4)) include leaving the place where the person is living, for the purposes set out in sub-paragraph (2).(2) The purposes are to—(k) – move home or undertake activities in connection with the maintenance, purchase, sale, letting, or rental of residential property that the person owns or is otherwise responsible for, 

The majority of construction work in Scotland is permitted to continue at present, in both level 4 and during current ‘stay at home’ measures provided the following guidance is adhered to.    

• Work carried out in people’s homes should be limited to the provision of essential or permitted goods and services. Essential goods and services are those that fundamentally underpin, sustain and safeguard households. This includes (the list is not exhaustive): 

• Utility engineers and telecoms workers (eg electricity, gas, water, broadband) for the purpose of

• safety checks, repairs, maintenance and installations.

• Urgent repairs and maintenance – time critical repairs and maintenance that threaten the households health and safety.

• Delivery, installation and repair of key household furniture and appliances such as washing machine, refrigerator, cooker etc.

• Services in support of a home move. When working in someone’s house, tradespeople should stay 2 metres apart from the people who live there, wear a face covering and follow good hand and respiratory hygiene.

Further guidance on working in people’s homes can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-general-guidance-for-safer-workplaces/pages/work-in-other-peoples-homes-faq/ 

Entries are now open for The Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, the event is now exclusively online, an independent competition dedicated to excellence in hospitality design.

With a new format, there will be 10 categories for each of the five regions (Europe, Americas, Asia, Middle East & Africa and Australia & Pacific). All entries will qualify for the best overall Restaurant and best overall Bar for their region. Additionally, two global prizes will be awarded to Best overall designed Restaurant & Best overall designed Bar.

For over a decade we have welcomed entries from over 100 countries covering every imaginable hospitality space; From independents to multiples, from ships to airports, museums to burger vans, from revered Michelin-starred establishments to the fleeting dynamism of pop-ups.

The highly influential and international judging panel comprises of 38 leading figures working across design, architecture, hospitality and lifestyle and includes Amanda Elder (Chief Commercial Officer, Kempinski Hotels), Sarah Douglas (Editor in Chief, Wallpaper*), Knut Wylde (General Manager, The Berkeley) and many other global influencers.

The Scottish Government operate a 4 level COVID protection system to help tackle the spread of the virus.

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation is actively seeking urgent clarification from the Scottish government as it believes that current advice is less than clear in relation to tradespeople working in other people’s homes.

Both the English & Welsh advice is clear, allowing tradespeople to continue their work in other people’s homes, however the advice to Scottish tradespeople states:

“Tradespeople providing services in other people’s homes in level 4 areas
Tradespeople should only go into a house in a level 4 area to carry out or deliver essential work or services, for example:

• to deliver, install or repair key household furniture and appliances such as washing machines, fridges and cookers”

The ambiguity relates to the term “essential work or services”, however the advice includes authority to “deliver, install or repair key household furniture”.

As kitchens and bathrooms are (in our opinion) essential, especially when there is a lockdown situation, we believe (as the English & Welsh have concluded) that tradespeople should be allowed to continue, in accordance with Safe Operating Procedures – but of course this is a matter for the Scottish government to rule upon.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters commented today by saying: “Once again, this lack of clarity between our so called United Kingdom is causing real confusion, which we urge the Scottish government to clarify as a matter of urgency”.

The Kbsa has announced it has begun the New Year with four new retail members. The members are located throughout the UK and include; Aspire Trade Kitchens in Glasgow, St. Neots Interiors Limited in Cambridgeshire, Alexander with two showrooms in Worthing and Horsham and Kitchen Culture in Kent.

Tracey Bond, MD at Kitchen Culture said, “We will have access to some great business support benefits from the Kbsa but for us it is all about the community, having the opportunity to improve, grow and learn alongside other like-minded businesses. We are thrilled to be part of something that helps independent retailers work together, especially during these challenging times.”

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert said, “I am delighted to welcome these four new members into the association.  2021 promises to be just as challenging as last year and we remain committed to work with government on behalf of the sector, and provide members with invaluable support and business services, helping retailers be stronger together.”

Yesterday Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced tougher measures to help slow the spread of Coronavirus in England.

The new measures, which take effect from Wednesday 6th January 2021 will include restrictions on movement and further social exemptions.

Government guidance states that every KBB showroom in the UK has to close and will not be able to operate by appointment only.

The advice on which businesses should close states that “showrooms such as those for bathrooms, kitchens, tiles, and glazing” should close whilst builders merchants and suppliers of products and tools used in building work and repairs may remain open.

For workers in construction and manufacturing the guidelines state: Where people cannot work from home – including, but not limited to, people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction, or manufacturing – they should continue to travel to their workplace. This is essential to keeping the country operating and supporting sectors and employers.

To find out more about how this affects tradespeople click the link

Online bathroom specialist My-Bathrooms have become the latest retailer to support The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) objectives, by becoming a Corporate Sponsor.

Via its network of approved installation partners, My-Bathrooms provide a turnkey supply and fit service to consumers via its website (www.my-bathrooms.co.uk) and is looking to connect with installation businesses to promote partnership benefits. The tie in with BiKBBI is a vehicle to connect the online business with a network of independently accredited institute members.

BiKBBI Corporate Sponsors support the organisation to promote education, high standards of professionalism and compliance, all areas that My-Bathrooms are passionate about.

My-Bathrooms MD Justin Adgar (pictured), commented on the sponsorship by saying: “BIKBBI is at the forefront of professional standards and it’s important that industry businesses like ours support them to do so. We’re particularly impressed by their approach to Apprenticeships and the obvious industry benefits that will follow.

Our national network of installation Trading Partners udertake comprehensive training on our product and installation method, which is currently achieved by in-house training supported by our suppliers; However, we understand that the topic of education is much wider than our own approach and we won’t be able to influence mass change on our own… this is where our collaboration with BiKBBI will help.”

Damian Walters, BiKBBI Chief Executive stated: “It’s great to be working with a familiar face in Justin and a business that shares our values, especially on the subject of education. We look forward to developing this partnership over time and are thankful to My Bathrooms for their support”.

More information about BiKBBI Corporate Sponsorship can be found at www.bikbbi.org.uk/corporate-membership 

Related

Trade and construction sectors prove to be essential, providing a backbone to the economy.

The Prime Minister has announced a Tier 4 ‘Stay At Home’ alert level in response to the rapid spread of the new Coronavirus variant. This will see various parts of the country set to remain in their homes; if they are unable to work from home, they will be allowed to travel to work. This is particularly applicable to the construction and manufacturing sectors. 

The tightening of restrictions has caused serious concerns for the UK’s economy, with many sectors and businesses fearing that they will have to close their doors for good. In light of these concerns, the industries that are allowed to remain open will prove to be the backbone of the economy during these concerning times. The construction and manufacturing sectors have seen particular growth following the lift in the spring lockdown according to PMI data, and this upward trajectory is hoping to continue. 

Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now, discusses how British construction and manufacturing will fare in the winter and highlights the impact Tier 4 will have on SMEs in the trades.

“The economic recovery we have seen over the past months is indeed welcome, but of course with much of Britain being placed into Tier 4, this month and the subsequent winter season are of course going to present yet more challenges. That’s why it would prudent to look towards sectors that remain open, such as construction and the trades, to provide the kind of stability we need at the moment.

The new restrictions have had a negligible impact on the construction sector so far, and overall activity around construction has to be welcomed. Given the bonanza that housebuilders are currently experiencing from the stamp duty reduction, it’s no surprise that they are the best performing sector of the construction industry. Whether this boom for the housing industry will be followed by a bust is unknown. At the moment, most firms are just grateful for the good business they are getting right now given how much other sectors are suffering.​

It is disappointing that the supply of building materials remains a constraint and it could be argued that suppliers over-reacted to the first lockdown, creating this situation. The reduction in the rate of PMI growth could be the first signs of a drop in demand from lockdown related macroeconomic damage. Let’s hope that isn’t the case. However, it looks like the new restrictions will not impact the specific sub-sector of home improvement either, although the jury is still out. It may be that homeowners become more anxious over time, particularly if the virus continues spreading rapidly. The biggest concern overall is about the supply of materials. Fortunately, at the moment the indicators are that the shortage is easing.”