NEWS
SKILLSAND MATERIAL SHORTAGES BITE
Workloads in Northern Ireland construction picked up in the first quarter of the year, with publicly funded projects and house building the catalyst for growth, according to the RICS and Tughans Construction and Infrastructure Monitor. More than +8% of Northern Ireland respondents to the survey reported rising workloads, up from -18% in the last quarter of 2020. However, while this represented the first reading in positive territory since Q1 2020, the region continued to lag other UK regions where the recovery appears more pronounced. There was also a significant disparity between sub sectors, according to the latest report. Public housing (+75%) and Infrastructure (+51%) workloads were reported to be rising quite sharply, however, private commercial (-50%) and private industrial (-61%) workloads were at the other end of the spectrum. Labour shortages, material shortages and financial constraints were the factors most cited by respondents as limiting activity currently. RICS Northern Ireland construction spokesman, Jim Sammon, said, “…it is concerning that Northern Ireland is lagging other regions, and the issues around skills shortages and material shortages are very real in the market and are impacting significantly on activity.”
David Henderson, Tobermore MD, has been recognised on a national stage for making a difference to workplace mental health and wellbeing.
TOBERMOREMDWINSMENTAL HEALTHANDWELLBEINGAWARD
David Henderson, Managing Director and Owner of Tobermore, has been awarded the ‘True Leader’ Accolade at the Make A Difference Awards 2021. David has been recognised for making a difference to workplace mental health and wellbeing. David Henderson, commented on the win, “I am incredibly honoured and humbled ... I would like to thank every single person who took the time to vote for me. Our people are truly at the heart of everything we do, and this workplace wellbeing award proves that.” “I hope Tobermore can inspire other companies to prioritise health and wellbeing in the workplace. I am a massive advocate for always putting our employees first. We support them fully and utilise channels that facilitate two-way
communication. By providing our team with the best support, everyone can reach their full potential. We don’t do this to win awards, we do it because we genuinely care, and it is the right thing to do.” Laura McGlade, HR Manager at Tobermore commented, “Over the last year, David has significantly contributed to enhancing staff mental health and wellbeing. He invested in a new health and wellbeing app for staff. To minimise stress, we rolled out a Covid sick pay scheme and wellbeing initiatives to combat loneliness for those working from home. Live cook-a-longs and virtual team quizzes have helped to keep Team Tobermore connected through a challenging year.” Join Team Tobermore today: tobermore.co.uk/careers
MINISTERHARGEY VISITSCHOICE HOUSINGSCHEME Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey visited local South Belfast housing scheme, the Brickworks to give young people a helping hand in a tree planting initiative. The Minister, who was meeting with Choice Housing and local residents to discuss a number of concerns in the area took some time out to give the children a helping hand. Richard Mealey, Community Development Manager for Choice Housing add, “We were delighted that the Minister took time out of her busy schedule to pop in and meet the children after a very constructive meeting with local community representatives. We look forward to continuing constructive engagement with the Minster, residents, and stakeholders to address the needs of the local community.”
(L-R): Carole Irvine from Choice Housing, Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey, with local children Hayaam Mahamuud (standing), Meabh and Aodhan Conlon.
Jim Sammon, RICS NI construction spokesman.
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