A last-minute Brexit deal was struck just before the deadline in 2020, but what are the details within the 2,000+ pages and what will the consequences be for the construction industry in London and across the UK?
It’s crucial to get it right: the construction industry depends upon the EU for both imports and exports. 64% of building materials are imported from the EU, while 63% of UK building materials exported to the EU. €7.8bn was invested by European Investment Bank & European Investment Fund in major UK infrastructure projects in 2015.
Will construction firms have difficulty recruiting their workforce? 33% of workers on London construction sites are from the EU, mostly Eastern and Central Europe. The Government has now broadened the Tier 2 skilled work visa to include more trades, but many roles desperately needed are not covered, including plant operators, asbestos removers, dry liners and labourers.
Then there are the details: legalities and practicalities of work visas. After January, everyone needs to have a visa, knowledge of English and a guaranteed minimum salary to be allowed to enter the UK to work. Who pays for the visa? Can we organise English language courses for workers before or after they enter the UK?
Sebastian Czajka, Director, Vision Success, Construction Project Management Consultancy.
Cristina Irimie, Director, Happy People Learning Centre, online learning for the construction industry. Aiming to retrain local people into the construction industry.
Joanna Palinski, Director at JP Project Management Ltd.
Tomasz Goslar, Director at EmpLink Limited.
John FitzGerald, ISO Spaces, Fully portable modular housing
11:00 am - Welcome and PBLINK update, Bart Kowalczyk
11:15 am - Roundtable discussions in breakout rooms:
Business challenge discussed: Select one key challenge the construction industry faces / may face in terms of quality and availability of skilled workforces after Brexit. Working in groups, prepare practical solutions (both preventative and reactive) for overcoming that challenge.
11:45 am - Findings and Discussions moderated by Bart Kowalczyk
12:15 pm - Business Networking
12:30 pm - Close
Standard ticket: £15 + fees and vat.
FREE for the first 10 non-members.
FREE for PBLINK Members.
Spaces are limited to 40, so book yours now.
See you online!
Bartlomiej (Bart) Kowalczyk
Founder & Director
Polish Business Link