We believe the time is right to seek a comprehensive solution to the problem of ensuring competence in this critical industry. Media reports of rogue and incompetent builders remain widespread and recent FMB research shows more than half of consumers have had a negative experience with their builder. Furthermore, one third of home owners in the UK are so anxious about hiring a poor quality builder, they have put off commissioning building work altogether. This situation persists largely because in the UK, unlike many other countries, anyone can set up a building firm and offer their services to the public.
In the UK construction industry, builders and contractors are subject to too little regulatory oversight. Along with a raft of other sector bodies, the FMB is backing the idea of a construction licensing scheme as the only sure fire means to ensure a minimum level of competence throughout the industry. Further research by the FMB has suggested that such a scheme could be governed by an overarching body and administered by a network of scheme providers, something which could be integrated within existing industry structures to minimise duplication and cost.
