Indivo kitchen lifters from Pressalit Care have been fitted to kitchens in the award winning Leeds Independent Living Project (ILP). The project, which is led by Leeds City Council with Jack Lunn (Construction) Ltd as main contractor, is providing 74 new purpose-built properties on 40 sites across the city, increasing opportunities for more than 340 people with a learning disability or mental health need to take greater control of their lives.

On the first day of National Apprentice Week (1 February 2010), EAL (EMTA Awards Limited), the leading awarding organisation for the building services and engineering sector, has called on the Government to adopt a more joined up approach to apprenticeships. This move follows the proliferation of new ideas and incentives that have been introduced over the last year.

 “Whilst we wholeheartedly support the rationale behind these ideas, the Government is neglecting what’s feasible for employers,” said EAL’s Managing Director, Ann Watson. “We are calling for two clear policies on apprenticeships: first, practical support for employers with tangible financial incentives, and second, for apprenticeships to be overseen by one Government department.”

Affordable housing and housing regeneration specialist Lovell has been selected by Homes for Islington (HFI) as a contractor partner for its £10.5 million Street Properties Decent Homes Framework.

The company is one of three firms to have been appointed to carry out the major housing refurbishment scheme which will see around 700 properties in the London Borough of Islington upgraded over the next three years.

Work will include the refurbishment and replacement of kitchens and bathrooms, along with external improvements.

Northumbria University appoints team to support the building sector

Northumbria University has appointed a new team to assist regional and national businesses within the property and construction sector.

Following Northumbria’s successful funding from the Higher Education Funding Council, the School of the Built Environment is expanding its employer engagement activity by the appointment of Colin Davidson and Luke Bryant.

The new team will focus on building the excellent track record that the School has developed in assisting regional and national businesses within the sector, incorporating a range of consultancy and staff development.

  The UK will officially recognise Workers Memorial Day to commemorate thousands of people who have died, been seriously injured or made ill through their work, Yvette Cooper announced today.
  
This follows the Government’s consultation in July to explore options for official recognition of the day, which gained widespread support.

This year, the UK will join the many other countries around the world that officially recognise the Day on 28 April, the International Day of Action for Safety and Health at Work.  Formal recognition will reinforce the significance of the Day and raise awareness of the number of people who are killed, disabled, injured or made unwell through their work.

Although the security dog sector is not recognised as a specialist sector by the Security Industry Authority, its practitioners must maintain the standards set at Level 2 by that body and move forward. It is not mandatory; it is for those who wish to advance.

Now the British Standard is in place, the National Training Inspectorate for Professional Dog Users has moved on to advanced dog handling at Level 3: for example the stand off, building search, suspect search etc – all ‘off-lead’.

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