Minister Empey welcomes report on Construction Industry Training Board

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has welcomed a Report on the future of the Construction Industry Training Board.

Sir Reg said: “The consultancy report recommends retaining the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) as a Non Departmental Public Body with a statutory levy and that its activities are rationalised so that construction firms get a greater proportion of their levy payments back through training grant.”

The Minister added: "I particularly welcome the recommendation that the statutory levy should continue, but that the levy threshold should increase from £15,000 to £80,000. In practice small employers with a wage bill of less than £80,000 - some 1,300 construction employers - will no longer have to pay levy. Nearly half of current levy payers will be exempted from paying levy. This is a most constructive measure for small employers during the current economic climate. Further, I welcome the recommendation that the levy scope should be aligned with the CITB GB footprint (e.g. air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, utilities and gas installation would all move out of scope).”

Sir Reg explained: “Other recommendations contained in the report include the recommendation that CITB and ConstructionSkills should fully merge.

"The report also suggests that the administrative burden of applying for grant would be moved from employers to training providers, thus reducing administration for employers and CITB.

“I accept the recommedations contained in this report and have asked my officials to work with the CITB Board to work out an implementation plan.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The full Report can be found on the DEL website at www.delni.gov.uk
2. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager, number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.