T he government has said housebuilding is good for the natural environment, in a bid to win over nature conservation groups. Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, have written to conservation groups asking them to back housebuilding developments. “Environmental assessments and case-by-case negotiations of mitigation and compensation measures often slow down the delivery of much-need housing and Government asks eco groups for cool heads
NEWS IN NUMBERS
Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing,
Communities and Local Government
infrastructure,” the ministers wrote in their letter. “Meanwhile, the condition of our environment, and even our most important habitats and species, has declined over a sustained period. This is a lose-lose situation, for our economy, the public and for the natural environment. “We are determined to transform the system to ensure a win-win for housebuilding and nature… We recognise that we are only likely to get the right answer by working closely with you – organisations with longstanding experience of what it takes to improve environmental outcomes on the ground.”
2.4m Total charitable support from the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity to workers and their families in the industry from January to June 2024. Source: Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity
26 The number of months since construction activity has increased at this pace – 55.3 on the index in July, up from 52.2 in June. Source: S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index
Construction fatalities surge by 70%
C onstruction worker fatalities in the UK have surged by 70 per cent since before the Covid pandemic, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In the year ending 31 March 2024, there were 51 construction worker deaths, representing 37 per cent of all industry fatalities and a significant increase relative to the 2018/19 figures, which was the last full pre- pandemic year. The construction sector’s fatalities are notably higher compared with pre- pandemic levels. In 2023/24, fatalities more than doubled those in agriculture, forestry, and mining, which had 23 deaths, and exceeded the five-year average of 42. Falls from height continue to be a major concern, with 50 deaths
recorded across all industries, up from 41 the previous year. Fatal falls from height are 35 per cent above the five-year average, according to the Access Industry Forum.
Safety Plus Contact the FMB Membership
Team to include Safety Plus in your membership and gain access to health and safety resources including risk assessments, method statements
42 The number of days a year the construction industry loses in productivity due to absences and presenteeism. Source: Health insurer Vitality
and training. Call 0330 333 7777 or email membership@ fmb.org.uk. Scan the QR code for the latest HSE fi gures.
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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