19th June 2009 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
An amendment to the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill in the House of Commons, which would have supported small construction firms, has been blocked by the Government; a move which the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has branded ignorant of small construction firms.
The amendment would have allowed small construction firms to access local authority contracts more easily and so help firms survive the challenging economic environment. However, despite Conservative Party support, the Government refused to take the amendment forward.
Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB said:
“Our amendment would have created a level playing field for SME construction firms when tendering for local authority contracts. The Government has missed a great opportunity to support all small, local businesses. Sadly, the Government seem more than happy to support other ailing industries but consistently ignores the plight of small construction firms.”
Berry concluded:
“Given that job losses in the construction industry are heading towards 450,000 the Government needs to start taking action or risk further rises in unemployment. The fact is that the Government is good on the talk but short on the delivery.”
