Builders publish UK election manifesto

The Federation of Master Builders today published its manifesto for the general election today, calling for more support for the construction industry.
The manifesto, ‘Building for Success’ calls on all politicians to support the building industry by adopting the FMB’s twenty detailed policy recommendations. Main speakers at the launch included the Conservative Shadow Business Minister, Mark Prisk MP, the Lib Dem Shadow Business Minister Lorely Burt MP, and Gordon Banks MP from the Labour Party.

FMB director general Richard Diment, said: “The FMB is committed to helping the next Government create the conditions for a sustained economic recovery. The building industry which employs nearly three million people and contributes eight per cent of the UK’s GDP is an important driver to help the UK get back on its feet. Measures to help support skills and training must be at the forefront of the next Government’s agenda.

“There is also an urgent need to retrofit our existing homes to help make them more energy efficient which will not only help reduce carbon emissions but help tackle the growing problem of the five million people now living in fuel poverty. Mandatory refurbishment standards need to be established that are consistent with the UK’s legal commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. We also need to reduce the amount of construction waste which would be best achieved by providing more recycling sites across the UK.”

“The UK is at an important crossroads because the decisions taken by the next Government will have a profound and lasting impact on the British economy. It is essential that the next Government supports and encourages the important role that small building firms play in the economy.”