PCA Weekly News - 24th October 2020
In your weekly PCA update this week:
- Addressing the Needs of a Property
- New Defra Report – Tackling the Questions
- Site Operating Procedures – Version 6
- Job Support Scheme (JSS) – Helpful Factsheet
- Webinar: Green Homes Grant and “Shallow” Retrofit
- Technicians Training: Japanese knotweed
- New Members
Addressing the needs of the property – James Berry Blog
Now that homeowners are beginning to take steps towards home improvements with the Green Homes Grant, it is vital to keep reminding them to be cautious. Your Technical Manager James Berry’s discusses the inevitability of the ‘goldrush’ to grab this funding without consideration to the needs of the property because, let’s face it, we all like a bit of a ‘freebie’!
For all property professionals we must ensure we consider the signs of retrofit insulation and what it potentially does to the property. To find out more, click on the button below.
Click to Read More >>
New Defra Report – Tackling the questions
We shared last week about Defra’s long-awaited report into the “Management of Japanese knotweed Overseas”. The report tackled questions about potential areas for change/improvement during property sales.
So, for PCA Members within our Invasive Weed section and for anyone else that deals with Japanese Knotweed, what does this mean? When it comes to managing Japanese knotweed can we do even better in the UK? Read what PCA Technical Manager Dr Peter Fitzsimons has to say by clicking on the button below.
Click to Read More >>
New courses for Ventilation
Off the back of member feedback, we are looking at new course offerings for 2021. Many of our members specify Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) and De-centralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) systems to help tackle condensation and poor indoor air quality in homes. This potential new course will further enhance our ventilation training and will focus on:
- the information that needs to be collected and considered by the surveyor
- the calculations to estimate the ventilation required to provide “adequate ventilation” – using both types of systems
- what needs to be taken into account in the process & regulatory requirements
Sound interesting? We’d love to hear your thoughts so please get in contact with Jade and the training team on 01480 400000.
Get in touch >>
Site Operating Procedures – Version 6 Now Out
For those members who have not seen the latest update, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has streamlined their Site Operating Procedures following the recent changes in the Government’s guidance. Version 6 is now available and changes include:
- Updated guidance on shielding, self-isolating, testing and what to do if a worker develops COVID-19 symptoms
- Updated terminology and more detailed guidance from the government
- Clearer information on the Use of Face Coverings
We urge all PCA members and all construction/building professionals to familiarise themselves with the guidance, particularly as cases of Covid-19 are increasing. Version 6 can be accessed via the button below.
Click to View More >>
Job Support Scheme (JSS) – Helpful Factsheet
Off the back of chancellors Rishi Sunak announcement yesterday of increased financial support for businesses and workers, we just want to remind all PCA members and other construction/building professionals that on the 1st November, the Job Support Scheme (JSS) replaces the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme (CJRS) / furlough scheme. For those of you that are unsure what the scheme is about, key points to note are as follows:
- The JSS scheme will run from 1st November 2020 for 6 months.
- Employees must work at least 33% of their usual hours.
- For every hour not worked by the employee, both the Govt and employer will pay a third each of the usual hourly wage for that employee. The Govt contribution will be capped at £697.92 a month.
- Employees must be on an employer’s PAYE payroll on/before 23rd September 2020.
- Employers using the JSS will also be able to claim the Job Retention Bonus and updated guidance from HMRC will be issued January 2021.
The JSS has also been extended for UK businesses whose premises are legally required to shut as part of local or national restrictions. A helpful factsheet for PCA members and all construction/building professionals on the JSS, can be accessed from PCA accounting partners Thomas Quinn via the button below.
Click to View More >>
Next ‘Live’ Webinar – This Thursday
Why should we care about potential retrofit problems? And are we doing as good a job when it comes to anticipating and designing out problems as we would like to think?
Why not join us next Thursday (29th October) from 9-10am where your CEO Steve Hodgson shares his advice on the ‘Green Homes Grant Scheme and the Effects of “Shallow” Retrofit’ and how we can all do better.
To find out more and to register, members can click on the button below.
Find Out More >>
Technician Training: Japanese Knotweed
Date: 10th December 2020
Location: PCA Head Office, Huntingdon
Cost: £185 +VAT
>> Need more information on the course – click here
Created for technicians working in the control and management of Japanese knotweed, this one-day course will develop knowledge about the technical, biological and academic principles that underpin the processes that lead to the safe and reliable control of Japanese knotweed.
Upon completion of the Technicians exam for Japanese knotweed, successful candidates will gain ‘PCA Qualified Technician‘ (PCAQT)’, demonstrating to employers and clients that you have proven competency and skills in providing solutions towards Japanese knotweed.
Contact the training team today on 01480 400 000 or email [email protected]
Click for More Info >>
New Members
We are pleased to welcome the following into membership of the PCA:
- Asbestos Management Co (Ireland) Ltd / Trading As Japanese Knotweed Management Company
Remember to keep in the loop…
Find out the latest news instantly by following the PCA via our social media channels:
Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on twitter