Figures revealed today show a collapse in the number of companies claiming grant funding for training of 62% since 2008.

Chris Jones, Chairman of the Grant Scheme Working Party, said “CITB works hard in partnership with the construction industry to provide financial support for employers of all sizes towards the training and qualification of their workforce.

“We understand how crucial this support is for all employers in these difficult times.

“So I am pleased that the new Grants Scheme contains some excellent news for employers, especially as we have been able to maintain the attendance grant at the enhanced rate of £50.

“I encourage all employers to ensure that they claim the grants they are entitled to and continue building the skilled workforce the industry needs.”

The following changes will be made to the 2013/2014 Grants Scheme from August:

• The continuation of the £50 per day for Training Plans and Short Duration will run for Training Plans taken out in the 2013/2014 Grants Scheme and for Short Duration training from 1 August 2013 until 31 July 2014.

• Reduction of the Short Duration training period from the current 1 day to ½ day  to allow small and micro employers greater access to the Grants Scheme support.

• An additional training day allowance will be granted under a Training and Development Plan for scaffolding contractors to allow them to claim for Construction Industry Scaffolding Record Scheme (CISRS) separately from other training.

• All Technical and Professional attendance grants will be paid at £50 per day, an increase from £30 per day for some courses.  The new Construction ILM qualification in Construction Leadership and Management Skills will be eligible for Technical and Professional attendance and achievement grant support.

• The current premium of £250 on top of the standard VQ rate of £400 will no longer be available for achievements on or after 1 August 2013 for VQ Level 4 and above.

• The £610 Plant related VQ grant will continue into 2013/2014 to encourage employers to move their operators to the full CPCS Competence Card.
• Employers who do not pay a Levy as the Labour-only Payments Received (LOPR) figure offsets their Levy liability are currently eligible to receive Supplementary Payment at 22%. As this group of employers do not actually contribute to the Levy funds industry has decided that they should not be eligible for Supplementary Payment from 1^st August 2013.

• Aligning the Site Safety Plus daily attendance grant currently at £52.50 with other rates now set at £50 per day;

• Supplementary Payment remains at 22% (10% basic plus a temporary increase of 12%). If employers want to be eligible to receive Supplementary Payment and to qualify for payment of any grant in 2013/2014 Grants Scheme they must complete their Levy Returns by 31 July 2013.