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Search Results for: GGF Safe Guide for Home Improvement companies working during COVID-19

GGF urges companies to “work safe” during latest lockdowns

News, Politics |

The GGF is urging all companies and workers in the sector to make sure they not only stay safe but also work safe during the latest lockdown.

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “The latest lockdown restrictions will dramatically affect many sectors, and it is welcomed that the UK and Irish Governments are trying to keep pillars of the economy going and that includes manufacturing, construction and home improvement. Though this is positive for our sector, it is crucial that all companies and their employees adhere to the safe guidance available and take every practical and reasonable step to ensure that everyone stays safe in the workplace.”

In May, the GGF issued Safe Guides for installers and consumers as well as publishing the Site Operating Procedures for construction sites as well as manufacturing safe guidance. As the second wave rises, this guidance is still available for free download to all companies in the industry.

To read a GGF breakdown of the latest guidance by country, please click here

Here’s the links to the Safe guidance documents for the Glass, Glazing and Fenestration sectors.

GGF Guides

GGF Safe Guide for Homeowners  

 

GGF Safe Guide for Home Improvement companies working during COVID-19

FENSA Guides

FENSA – Practical safety precautions when installing windows & doors during COVID-19

FENSA Guidance on completing a Risk Assessment

FENSA Risk Assessment Template

Construction Leadership Council

Working on construction sites – Site Operating Procedures (version 4)

Government Guidance 

COVID Recovery Plan

Working safely in people’s homes

Working safely in shops and branches

Working in manufacturing

Working in Transport

Lockdown 2 – How it affects Glass and Glazing

News, Politics |

Over the last few days their have been announcements from the Central and the Devolved Governments of the UK.

The GGF contacted Central Government regarding the new restrictions following the Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of national lockdown in England from 5th November to 2nd December.

The Government replied to the GGF almost instantly confirming how the glass and glazing sector is impacted in England. The GGF also searched through all the latest guidance from the devolved Governments as well as the Republic of Ireland.

In general, our sector can remain open for business, there is the stark reminder that we need to ensure we operate safely and to the safe guidance. Here is the breakdown of the latest guidance and restrictions, as well as useful links to the key Government websites and GGF Safe Guides, should you need further information.   

In England:

  1. Tradespeople can continue to work in people’s homes as can salespeople and surveyors if necessary, but ideally if anyone can work remotely they should.  
  2. Door to door canvassing is still allowed but companies employing people to do this should make sure they are following the guidance, paying particular attention to remaining outdoors and at least 2m social distancing – note this may be affected by the local rules within the 3 tier guidance system
  3. Those who work in construction and manufacturing should continue to attend their workplaces and follow the Site Operating Procedures or work from home if possible
  4. Builders’ merchants and DIY stores can remain open (and will certainly be able to offer delivery or click and collect services) – although it should be borne in mind that there may be specific local rules relating to retail under the 3 Tier guidance system
  5. It is not confirmed yet whether showrooms can or cannot open. The list of non-essential retail premises that will have to close during the 4 week lockdown will be announced later this week.
  6. Government safety guidance must be adhered to when at work, and this is within the GGF Guidance Brochures for installers and consumers. Site Operating Procedures are also available from the GGF website.

UK Government links

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#businesses-and-venues

COVID Secure Guidance (factories, plants, and warehouse)

COVID Secure guidance (working in other people’s homes)

Local COVID Alert levels guidance

Meanwhile,  there are no changes to the glass and glazing sector in Northern Ireland since First Minister Arlene Foster’s announcement on 13 October for a four-week circuit breaker lockdown.

In Northern Ireland

  1. Tradespeople can continue to work in people’s homes as can salespeople and surveyors if necessary, but ideally if anyone can work remotely they should.  
  2. Door to door canvassing is still allowed but companies employing people to do this should make sure they are following the guidance, paying particular attention to remaining outdoors and at least 2m social distancing – note this may be affected by the local rules within the 3 tier guidance system.
  3. Those who work in construction and manufacturing should continue to attend their workplaces and follow the Site Operating Procedures or work from home if possible.
  4. Builders’ merchants and DIY stores can remain open (and should certainly be able to offer delivery or click and collect services).
  5. Showrooms can remain open.
  6. Government safety guidance must be adhered to when at work, and this is within the GGF Guidance Brochures for installers and consumers. Site Operating Procedures are also available from the GGF website.

In Scotland

The Scottish 5 tier system to enforce tighter local restrictions was activated at 6.00am this morning 2 November. It is important to monitor what level your local area is in and review the guidance of what is permissible. This information is available here

Currently across Scotland;

  1. Tradespeople can continue to work in people’s homes as can salespeople and surveyors if necessary, but ideally if anyone can work remotely they should.  
  2. Door to door canvassing is still allowed but companies employing people to do this should make sure they are following the guidance, paying particular attention to remaining outdoors and at least 2m social distancing – note this may be affected by the local rules within the 5 tier guidance system.
  3. Those who work in construction and manufacturing should continue to attend their workplaces and follow the Site Operating Procedures or work from home if possible.
  4. Builders’ merchants and DIY stores can remain open (and should certainly be able to offer delivery or click and collect services).
  5. Showrooms can remain open but may be subject to change under local rules under the 5 tier guidance
  6. Government safety guidance must be adhered to when at work, and this is within the GGF Guidance Brochures for installers and consumers. Site Operating Procedures are also available from the GGF website.

In Wales

On 21 October, the Welsh Government updated their COVID restrictions with a view to these ‘firebreak’ restrictions lasting until 9th November. Due to the UK Government’s decision to increase English restrictions, the Welsh Government has had to respond and the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, will be giving further updates this week, although the plan is for the firebreak in Wales to end as planned on 9th November.

The Welsh government has updated its guidance with regard to working in other people’s home’s;

“Work carried out in people’s homes, for example by tradespeople, can continue as long as it is managed in a safe way and both the worker and household members are well and have no symptoms of coronavirus. However, we recommend that people consider whether the work can be safely deferred until after this short lockdown.”

Companies can continue to operate manufacturing plants and factories and work in other people’s homes however there should be a consideration to defer the work and if that is not possible then the work should be in line with COVID-19 guidelines.

In Wales:

  1. Tradespeople can continue to work in people’s homes as can salespeople and surveyors if necessary, but ideally if anyone can work remotely they should.  
  2. Door to door canvassing is still allowed but companies employing people to do this should make sure they are following the guidance, paying particular attention to remaining outdoors and at least 2m social distancing – note this may be affected by the local rules and if it can be deferred it is advisable to do so.
  3. Those who work in construction and manufacturing should continue to attend their workplaces and follow the Site Operating Procedures or work from home if possible.
  4. Builders’ merchants and DIY stores can remain open (and should certainly be able to offer delivery or click and collect services).
  5. Showrooms can remain open but may be subject to change under local rules.
  6. Government safety guidance must be adhered to when at work, and this is within the GGF Guidance Brochures for installers and consumers. Site Operating Procedures are also available from the GGF website.

Welsh Government links

COVID-19 safe working guides

COVID-19 Working in other people’s homes guide

In the Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland entered Level 5 restrictions from midnight on Wednesday, 21st October. These restrictions are scheduled to end on 2nd December.

This has the below implications for working arrangements in Republic of Ireland.

General guidance

  • People should work from home unless they are delivering an essential service for which their physical presence is required.
  • Movement beyond a 5km radius of a person’s home is permitted when delivering essential services.
  • Employers that require individuals’ physical presence for delivering essential services, must ensure that workplaces meet current guidance.

Working in other people’s homes

  • Tradespeople may continue to enter other people’s homes to deliver maintenance and repair services. This is considered an essential service, according to the guidance.

Other workplaces

  • Construction is considered essential work, and all construction or development work and the provision of support services relating to construction and development work may continue.
  • Essential retail and essential services will remain open. This includes hardware outlets and builders’ merchants.
  • Manufacturing plants delivering products necessary for the supply chain of essential services will remain open. This includes such as manufacturers of glass and other glazing products.

GGF Guidance

Members should use the GGF’s COVID-19 Safe Guides and for manufacturers please refer to the Site Operating Procedures.   

GGF Safe Guide for Homeowners  

GGF Safe Guide for Home Improvement companies working during COVID-19

Site Operating Procedures during COVID-19

Notes to all GGF Members:

  • Please monitor your local government websites and adhere to local rules/restrictions or information in specific local areas, if required.
  • Keep to the Government guidance (which is also within the GGF Safe Guides)
  • Carry out a risk assessment
  • Apply reasonable and sensible practice when working during this deadly pandemic

The recent announcements and lockdown is in the main allowing our sector to remain open, but please ensure you stay safe and do everything practically possible to prevent the virus from spreading further.

COVID-19: Face Coverings Guidance Update

COVID 19, Health, Safety and Environment, News, Uncategorized |

The Government has changed the legislation for face coverings;

“Face coverings are mandatory on public transport and in England are mandatory for customers in shops and supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, banks, building societies, post offices and where food or drink is purchased at a take-away outlet from 24 July 2020. “

The GGF received clarification from BEIS that the requirement does include showrooms and therefore it will impact on many GGF Members’ operations.

From the following statement, it is clear that this requirement does not include employees;

Employers should support their workers in using face coverings safely if they choose to wear one. It is not mandatory for shop or supermarket, indoor shopping centres, banks, building societies or post office workers to wear face coverings although the government recommends that businesses consider their use where appropriate and where other mitigations are not in place.

This makes some sense as it would be challenging in a working environment for staff to wear face coverings throughout the working day however, it will be a challenge to understand what to do, so it is vital that the risk of COVID-19 infection is still managed with social distancing as per the Government guidance. A practical example of when staff should wear face coverings may be where a member of staff is serving a customer from behind a counter. A screen could be installed and therefore face covering may not be necessary, but when staff are not protected by a measure like a screen, then it would be reasonable to wear face coverings.

It’s important to remember that where employers require employees to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), in this case face coverings they would need to provide them at no charge.

The Government guidance on enforcing this with customers is as follows:

“Businesses should take reasonable steps to encourage customer compliance, for example through in store communications or notices at the entrance.”

James MacPherson, Health, Safety and Environment Manager commented:

“The challenge on the new laws is enforcement, human factors and how we are seen to manage the risk. Face coverings are a very visible control measure and asking customers to wear face coverings but not asking staff to do likewise may lead to challenges from the public. Members can choose to enforce the wearing of masks by refusing entrance or encourage use by displaying signage, or “nudging” customers to wear face coverings perhaps with a member of staff in attendance to remind them. The choices business can make varies. These sometimes difficult risk based choices are what risk assessments are made for and if members are struggling they can always contact the GGF for support.”

Members can contact James MacPherson, GGF Health, Safety and Environment Manager by emailing healthandsafety@ggf.org.uk

GGF and COVID-19 Safety Guidance

For full COVID-19 Safety guidance please follow links below:

GGF Guides

GGF Safe Guide for Home Improvement companies working during COVID-19

GGF Safe Guide for Homeowners  

FENSA Guides

FENSA – Practical safety precautions when installing windows & doors during COVID-19

FENSA Guidance on completing a Risk Assessment

FENSA Risk Assessment Template

Construction Leadership Council

Working on construction sites – Site Operating Procedures (version 4)

Government Guidance 

COVID Recovery Plan

Working safely in people’s homes

Working safely in shops and branches

Working in manufacturing

Working in Transport

Scottish Government Route Map to Recovery Phase 1 – Construction and Housebuilding

COVID-19 – Your Guide to the Guidance

COVID 19, Health, Safety and Environment, News |

With so much information out there regarding COVID-19 the GGF is pleased to list a quick guide to the Guidance documents now available to help companies in the glass, glazing and fenestration industries.

To access any of the Guides listed below simply scroll over and click to open the PDF documents.

GGF Guides

GGF Safe Guide for Homeowners  

GGF Safe Guide for Home Improvement companies working during COVID-19

FENSA Guides

FENSA – Practical safety precautions when installing windows & doors during COVID-19

FENSA Guidance on completing a Risk Assessment

FENSA Risk Assessment Template

Construction Leadership Council

Working on construction sites – Site Operating Procedures (version 4)

Government Guidance 

COVID Recovery Plan

Working safely in people’s homes

Working safely in shops and branches

Working in manufacturing

Working in Transport

Guidance on New Arrivals to the UK

Scottish Government Route Map to Recovery Phase 1 – Construction and Housebuilding

How to find a safe home improvement company

|

Whether it’s incorporating a home working space into your property, taking advantage of any extra cash saved during the lockdown, by upgrading your windows and doors, it’s inevitable that an increasing number of the British public will need tradespeople in their homes in the coming weeks and months.

As it stands, just over a quarter (27%) of people feel very comfortable with letting tradespeople into their homes and whilst doing this is completely within the law, it’s important to keep you, and any home improvement companies you hire, safe during any renovations.

First of all, let’s look at the rules surrounding letting home improvement companies into your property. A Tradesperson can continue work in a domestic home, providing that the Tradesperson is well and has no symptoms of COVID-19 and correct health and safety protocols are followed. You can read more about this in our other blog post, here. 

You’re completely within your rights to have tradespeople in your home but it’s important that they comply with the necessary safety measures. So, before you hire anyone, make sure they do the following:

GGF Members

If relevant for your home improvement project, you should always use a GGF Members company to carry out work on your property. GGF Members adhere to the GGF Consumer Code of Practice as well as all the necessary safety measures, including the specific COVID-19 related safe guidance to ensure that you and your family and any other occupants within your home are safe. All GGF Member companies must also be established and trading for a minimum of three years and are vetted for financial stability so you can rest easy knowing you’re in safe hands. You can find a GGF member local to you here. 

Consultation

In today’s day and age, initial consultations don’t need to be face to face. Instead, check if the company you are using is happy with a video or telephone call. If you are doing a video call make sure you’re connected to the wifi, your camera and microphone are working and background noise (like TVs and children) are limited. This will ensure the clearest and best communications.

The company you use for your home improvement might also want you to take them on a virtual tour via video of your property before they visit in person so make sure your home is as you’d want to see it before the call.

If you aren’t sure about the types of questions the company you are using might ask on an initial call, our list below may give you an idea:

  • What is it you want from your home improvements? More space? A more modern home? More natural light? Better energy efficiency? Less outside noise?
  • What timeline are you working to? Is there a date you’ve set in mind for completion?
  • Will, you or anyone else be in the property whilst work is being done? Are you working from home?
  • What other types of contractors will you be requiring? Plumbers? Electricians?
  • What budgets are you working to?

Health and safety policy

Any GGF Member company you hire should be working to our Safe Guide or something similar that is based on and references the Government COVID guidelines. It’s not just the initial person you meet that needs to follow this, all employees should be safety aware and adhere to Government guidelines. Don’t be afraid to ask your tradespeople to share their safe working policy and make sure you’re happy with the steps that have been taken. In fact, 40% of people would expect their tradesperson to tell them about all the health and safety steps (from the government, local council or a trade body) that they will take before they arrive and 25% would expect a full risk assessment, so you will certainly not be the first person to request this.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Ask the company you are using what PPE they will be wearing and also ask them if they have the adequate resources to ensure your safety. If you’re having a big build and need to turn the water off, then they may need to arrange their own handwashing/cleaning facilities. From our recent survey, Iit seems that PPE is very important to the general public when it comes to letting people into their home, with homeowners admitting they’d expect the following from tradespeople:

  • They keep a safe distance at least 2m away from me and others (48%)
  • They clean up and disinfect their working area once they’ve finished (40%)
  • They arrive wearing a mask or face covering (39%)
  • They have a conversation with me outdoors (32%)
  • They bring their own refreshments and don’t expect a cup of tea (29%)
  • They eat away from the house, outside or in their van (28%)
  • They arrive wearing a pair of gloves (26%)
  • They don’t use my washroom facilities (21%)
  • They arrive wearing a mask or face covering, gloves and full protective suit (20%)
  • They limit conversation with me to under 15 minutes (17%)

If you had no idea where to start when it comes to health and safety requirements from the company choose for your glazing home improvement, then the above are just some of the things you could request.

If you do have home improvement companies working in your property why not tag us on Instagram or Twitter using @MyGlazing as we’d love to see the improvements you’re making. And if you do need to hire a home improvement company use our search directory and, read our Safe Guide to ensure you keep you and your tradespeople safe during the ongoing pandemic.: https://www.ggf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/GGF-Safe-Guide-LR-1.pdf

Two New And Very Different Debates

Events, Glassi, Health, Safety and Environment, News |

In this GLASSi interview, James MacPherson, GGF Health, Safety and Environment Manager discusses his background, his plans for health, safety and the environment and previews two new and very different debates for GGF Members’ Week including; “Health and Safety the New and Different Normal” and “Our World, Our Future”, a look at how companies can play their part in helping the environment for future generations.

What attracted you to work for the GGF as Health, Safety, and Environment Manager?

I remember reading the job advert and it was hard to gauge at first. It sounded interesting, but I needed more details and when it was described to me, I immediately had visions of what that role could be. I was excited as this is an industry I am interested in.

Also, the challenges that the glass and glazing industry has from Health, Safety, and Environment are huge and complex and I was excited by the prospect of working with members to help them tackle those challenges. In addition, I think that trade associations are uniquely placed in the industry to coach and support members to succeed and drive change. With our relationships with stakeholders like the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), we can support members like no other trade body in our sector. However, I wasn’t sure if that’s where the GGF’s focus lay, a lot of trade associations mostly signpost and collect data, but I wanted to get stuck in. So after a great conversation with John Agnew (GGF Managing Director) it was clear that we both shared the same vision, that we could do more and be more for members. I was instantly sold. I then just had the task of passing the interviews!

In the short time you’ve worked in the glass and glazing industry, what do you see as the big health safety challenges for the GGF and for you personally on the health and safety front?

For Health and Safety, the biggest challenge is breaking down the complexity. Health and Safety as a profession is constantly going through change. Health and Safety professionals are becoming increasingly people focussed. The best way to explain it would be my own example. Now working for the GGF, I have never worked in glass and glazing so I can’t be a technical expert on the risks in the industry, but I can be an expert facilitator and coach of good health and safety practice and to ultimately help members. Similar to sport coaching, some of the best coaches were not the best players or even played the sport and this can be essentially an identity crisis for my profession – but a good one none the less. One of the big challenges for the Federation, is to help members ensure their safety systems reflect reality. A lot of us have safety clutter in our business and it’s a challenge to fix that. Another major challenge is to shift a common culture in companies from being simply “compliant” organisations to being resilient organisations and in doing so, enabling businesses to fail safely. 

The GGF Health and Safety Committee is a long running part of the Federation, what is the status of this crucial committee?

I am really excited to be involved with this committee and I have my first meeting on the 28th September. I am keen for this committee to be refreshed and to become a “think tank” for improvement and innovation in Health and Safety. We have a great group already but if anyone is interested in joining, please contact me. You don’t have to know a thing about health and safety or have a NEBOSH, just an interest in betterment, a knowledge of the industry, and a curiosity for improvement.

I am also really keen to start an Environment Group to develop this side of the GGF, so keep your eye out for that and if people are interested in this side of the industry, then again, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Over the last four or five years, the GGF has produced some very useful health and safety brochures, are you planning to add to the library?  

For sure, we have a few codes of practice, booklets, etc. and just before I arrived, the GGF had produced two excellent Safe Guides for homeowners and installers with regard to COVID-19 guidance. Before we develop new guides, we’ll first, working with the Health and Safety Committee review the current library of publications. Thereafter, I want to build the resource for the members to use as and when it’s needed. I see this being an information and multi-media mix of in-depth industry-specific codes of practice, bitesize guides, articles, videos, podcasts, etc. It will take us time to build this, but I am looking forward to developing it.

You are hosting two webinars during GGF Members’ Week; on Health and Safety “A New and Very Different Norm” and on the Environment “Our World, Our Future”, what can Members tuning into these webinars expect?

I am really looking forward to this. I wanted to do something a little different, not to say what we are doing has never been done before, but a lot of the time when we go to conferences, especially Health and Safety ones we get spoken to or worse just sold to and don’t really learn anything.

So my aim is that members walk away from these webinars having learned something or have been inspired to make a difference. I am a huge fan of panel discussions. It’s a way for the audience to hear different sometimes even polarized opinions. So both the Health and Safety and Environment webinars, will have two very strong panels and I will be happy to host and moderate. Both will be about looking forward to the short medium and long term future. It has been an unbelievable year so far and I want us to focus on the future and how we can learn from this extraordinary year. Members who login will be hear varied discussion on the future relationships between trade bodies, influencers, enforcers, consultants and architects. Not something you’ll hear every day.

Finally, have you any plans for the GGF’s Health and Safety Merit Scheme – the GLASS Charter?

The Glass Charter is a huge part of what we offer to members, however it has had relatively low engagement regardless of updates and reviews. We will refresh it to ensure it becomes the scaffolding that enables members to grow and improve their health and safety practice, standards and culture. We want it to be the framework that we can coach members through, but also we want it to be of real benefit to members – not just a badge of honour or assessment but something that is more meaningful. How do we do that? Well first things first, we need to discuss with members and find out their views? Why are they engaged with it? Why they are they not engaged with it? What would they want to see from it? It must be developed with the members’ interests right at the very core. So in the near future, we will be surveying members and looking for them to discuss this with to help us develop the new Glass Charter.

To book your place at the Health and Safety webinar “A New and Very Different Norm” on 1 October (10.30am to 12 noon) please click on the banner below.

To book your place at the Our World, Our Future webinar on the environment on 1 October (3.30pm to 4.15pm) please click on the banner below.

Mark Austin – The President’s Perspective

Events, Glassi, Membership News, News |

In this exclusive GLASSi interview, GGF President Mark Austin shares his views on the state of the industry, the GGF and has a message for GGF Members on how to cope and prepare for better times ahead. 

It is over 8 months since your Presidency began and it’s fair to say no one could have predicted how 2020 would have unfurled. What have been the major challenges for you?

There is no way to sugar coat what the entire industry is currently still in the mist of going through, including on-going supply chain problems, logistical issues, adapting to the necessary social distancing and costs of Covid-19 precautionary measures, which has had its own challenges in terms of getting hold of adequate and sufficient PPE, hand sanitiser and screens etc., and the GGF has provide good guidance to help the industry follow the restrictions and operate safely.

One major challenge was the extremely difficult decision during lockdown was to have to take the legal advice from the GGF’s auditors and solicitors to close the GGF Fund Ltd to any new business from 1st April 2020 at very short notice. It was the last thing GGF Members needed to hear during lockdown with the uncertainty that was swirling around at that time and we were all wondering how long this was going to last and how on earth each business was going to survive.

Whilst very unfortunate, the strong advice given proved to be very sound, when only 2 days later the underwriting insurers also withdrew from writing new deposit indemnity insurance business. It was always the intention of the GGF to find an insurance based product to replace the Deposit Indemnity Fund and it is hoped we can announce more details on a new product soon.

Adapting to the new normal of all GGF meetings being virtual ones, and all GGF staff working from home has not been without its challenges as all mail had to be redirected and dealt with to ensure both GGF Members and Consumers continue to receive the best possible customer service possible in such circumstances.

As GGF President it was a major blow when we also had to cope with the fallout from the loss of Everest Ltd (one of the GGF’s founder members), when the company went into pre-pack administration.

I dare not think the state the industry would be in today without the Government’s furlough scheme, but thankfully the Government realised they had to do something substantial, which thankfully they did.

Another major challenge our industry faced in the last few months was the Government’s Green Homes Grant Scheme. When it was announced in early July that the Scheme would be launched sometime in September, it was a real set back to the glazing industry as the lack of detail until mid-August (which at the time of writing has still not all been finalised i.e. which composite doors will be included or excluded).

For the first week my phone was running off the hook as I was contacted by GGF Members and non-Members from across the industry wanting clarity. The GGF and FENSA did all they could in the circumstance, by reporting accurate factual timely information for members and in pushing Government for more details.

Normally, the industry would welcome any scheme that incentivises consumers to spend on energy efficient home improvement but Government had not consulted with industry beforehand and left so many unanswered questions with the early announcement.

When more details were released (over 5 weeks later), it was revealed that the scheme was limited to the replacement of single glazing (with double, triple or secondary glazing) only, along with potential some composite doors being restricted to being “secondary measures”, which only can be accessed once one or more “primary measures” have been installed.

With a further restriction was detailed that the spend on the secondary measure is limited to either equal or less than that of the primary measure, it was clear that the Green Homes Grant Scheme is a major disappointment and a significant set-back for our industry. It has also left the industry with the task of educating consumers on the scheme’s complicated details from which the vast majority of equally disappointed as they are unlikely qualify for the scheme.  

How do you feel the Federation has coped since the COVID-19 outbreak?

I was very proud of the way the GGF Management and staff have rallied round throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, taking steps before the actual lockdown to pre-empt one should it come, to ensure that GGF Members and FENSA Registered Installers were still able to make contact and receive help and support. Many of the Managers and staff worked long extra hours and weekends for no extra pay, something for which I wish to formally thank them on behalf of all members and clients connected to the GGF and its group of commercial subsidiary companies including FENSA, BFRC, InstallSure RISA and Borough IT.

What are the big challenges facing the GGF over the next 6-12 months?

Not being able to use the GGF Offices at 40 Rushworth Street in London since mid-March has been a real challenge, and I am delighted a safe phased return to the building is starting in September. For the re-opening, we had to carry out the necessary risk assessments and ensure new precautions and policies were put in place, so anyone entering the building would be as safe as is possible. Like most businesses, the GGF has had to permanently change the way it operates to ensure it adapts to the new normal in order that its capacity to serve its members is not reduced. As a consequence, it was had to invest in many new extra laptops and mobile phones to ensure that its staff can work as effectively from home as if they were in the GGF Offices, as not all the staff will be returning initially due to general safety, social distancing and to ensure all Government guidelines are followed.

With the GGF focus over the next 6-12 months being helping and supporting all GGF Members during what is clearly going to be a slow, painful and cautious recovery, the GGF will continue to invest in its Members’ services. With plans in place and in action, when we do reach the end of the tunnel, the whole industry should be in a genuinely strong position to then kick-on once there is an up-turn.    

Members’ Week is your first annual conference as GGF President, how do you feel about it being entirely virtual?

Personally I’d much rather GGF Members Day was able to happen and we were all able to gather together in person and network as we have done so effectively in the past. As this is clearly not remotely possible, holding my first annual conference as GGF President virtually is to be embraced, as the new way of working, doing business, supporting members and interacting has also brought about many ways to improve the ways we communicate and deal with suppliers and consumers alike. We all know we won’t ever be going back to how things were in the past, as GGF Members have found they can save so much time, money and resources by not travelling, which in terms of reducing our carbon footprint is to be welcomed.

Members’ Week is a unique and ambitious project for the GGF, what do you think Members should expect?

My hope is that GGF Members will engage with the GGF throughout Members week and by the end of it feel they have really benefitted from contributing and from seeing and hearing the many different contributors. The fact the GGF is offering a “Menu” of events and information targeted at its Members, it gives each and every GGF Member the opportunity to dip in and out online as it suits them so that they can feel the time they do spend virtually interacting with the GGF Group and its Members proves genuinely fruitful.

What message would you give to the GGF Members for the future?  

There is no point trying to put an overly positive spin on the short term future, as nobody knows how long the pandemic will be around for and the extent to which it will affect business, consumer confidence and the confidence of all GGF Members staff to return to working in the office – particularly those who have offices in large cities with insufficient office space to enable all staff to socially distance.

My personal view is that 2021 in financial terms could turn out to be even more challenging than 2020, so it is very fortunate the GGF Group has a strong financial foundation and sufficient reserves to weather the many storms that I still think sadly are ahead. My suggestion is that, as they have always done, GGF Members support one another, rally round and stay in the boat, as we’ve proven together we are stronger and by doing so, better equipped to cope with the rough seas ahead with all hands on deck.

Mark will open proceedings at Members’ Week on 29th September at 10.30am.

To join both Mark and John Agnew at the GGF Members’ Week webinar click the banner below:

How to create a fit-for-purpose working space in your home

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COVID-19 has changed the world in many ways. The loosening of some elements, like restrictions on seeing family, were much anticipated but some changes seem to be  here to stay, like working from home. In fact, in our recent survey more than one in 10 UK homeowners admitted to wanting to make changes to their property to allow them to work from home more efficiently.

A lot of businesses have reaped the benefits of people working from home with reports of employees being more productive and having greater focus and commitment. With clear advantages from home working, many companies are choosing to continue these practices even as lockdown restrictions are lifted.  If you have benefitted from working remotely and want to carry on, keep reading to find out ways you can make changes to your home to accommodate this without the need for a house move.

Do you have a garden?

If the answer is yes, then a garden room might be the perfect solution for you. Away from the hustle and bustle of the main house, garden rooms are the perfect way to separate your work and home life. Simply walking a few yards to a different space can allow you to turn off at the end of the working day – something we’re sure you’re aware is very important if you’ve been both working and relaxing from your living room!

In the great outdoors and often surrounded by nature garden rooms are also an ideal solution for jobs that require relaxation and headspace – such as a yoga teacher or if you are in a creative industry such as art, copywriting or design. If you’re hosting lessons at home, or via an online streaming service, a garden room is a great way to bring a further element of relaxation and aesthetic appeal to your classes.

Garden rooms also don’t require planning permission as long as they fall within permitted development guidelines, so they can’t have sleeping accommodation and must be single-storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m.

Maybe you already have the space indoors?

Picture Copyright https://eco-lofts.co.uk/

If your loft is only used for storage, it might be worth seeing if you can free up the space, because a loft conversion is a great way to add an extra room to your property and allow you to work more comfortably from home. For some loft spaces, the room’s ceiling isn’t high enough to accommodate an active job that requires you to be standing for extended periods of time, but it’s an ideal solution for an office-based job.

Using rooflights or windows in a loft conversion is a great way to increase the natural light and ventilation in a room, which can help improve mood, productivity and reduce stress whilst working.

Considered a conservatory?

modern black aluminium conservatory everest myglazing

A less intrusive way of creating extra space in your home is by installing a conservatory or orangery. In most instances, planning permission isn’t required for a conservatory so it’s a quicker and often less stressful solution when compared to a traditional extension.

If you’re concerned about conservatories being boiling hot in summer and sub-zero in winter then you needn’t worry. Modern conservatories and orangeries have fantastic climate control, meaning they are a great option all year round. Progression in design also means conservatories now integrate seamlessly into even the most modern homes. With clean lines and a range of colours and materials, gone are the traditional white, clunky conservatories of yesteryear.

Make use of your garage

Some people used lockdown and furlough time as an opportunity to set up their own business. Whether you’re now a self-employed beauty therapist, or you make jewellery from home, you’ll need a dedicated space to grow your business. Converting your garage is an easy and cost-effective way to do this, especially if you aren’t using it effectively already. Simply hire a professional to remove the door, build up a wall and install a window. If you want to increase the use of natural light in the room, or even provide an entry point that does not require access from the main house, consider installing bi-fold doors or roof windows/rooflights. When opened, they can make a smaller garage seem much more spacious.  

If you do have work carried out on your home to create a new workspace, we’d love to see it, so make sure you tag us on Instagram using @MyGlazing.

And if you do need to hire a home improvement company, read our Safe Guide to ensure you keep you and your tradespeople safe during the ongoing pandemic

Our Useful Tips on How To Deal with Installers Remotely

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If you have you’ve decided to hire a tradesperson or home improvement company – here’s MyGlazing’s useful tips on how to deal with installers remotely

We’ve spent more time than ever in our homes recently, and many have created a list as long as their arm of tweaks and improvements they want to make.

If you’ve read the other Stay Safe articles in this series, you’ll know what you need to consider before hiring a home improvement company and how to plan for any renovations. Although we’ve got a lot closer to ‘normal’ life, we still need to follow the Government guidance and in particular maintain social distancing. So, if you’ve found the perfect company for your home improvements, here’s how to keep you, and anyone from the company you’ve chosen,, safe during the renovations in your home.

#1 Video calls

They’re not just for catching up with friends and hosting work meetings, video calls are a great way to talk with your installer when it’s not necessary for them to be in your home. Maybe you’re still investigating which company is right for you and want to look at a few options? Rather than meet up, consider scheduling video calls to get a feel if they’re the right company for you and your home.

Once you’ve picked your company, video calls are a great way of keeping in touch and are much more personable than a text! If you’re having work done in a property and you’re not present (you may be on holiday or living away from the property whilst work is being done), the glazing company you have chosen can show you progress at the end of each day via video-call without you even having to be there.

If you haven’t used a video-call platform before we recommend any the following:

  • Zoom
  • Webex / Cisco
  • Skype

The company doing your home improvements should be using a video-call system that is easy to use and only requires clicking on a link.

#2 Ask to see a risk assessment

Before any work is started ask to see a risk assessment of the work that is going to be carried out. Companies can send this to you remotely – via email. To do this some companies may ask you questions such as:

Who is in the home?
Have they had symptoms of COVID-19?

Other things that companies may need to know in a remote video-call are the kind of windows you want – the style, design and colour. They should be able to show you on screen the different types and provide you with quotes, but they will also need you to provide the sizes and that means measuring your windows or doors.

Here’s a few useful videos that show you how to easily and properly measure your windows/doors.

Measuring windows – see video

Measuring doors – see video  

#3 Know who is coming into your home

If you can’t communicate remotely for some reason or other, please ensure you knowing who is entering your home. It is always good advice but this has never been more true during the current pandemic! Speak with your company and see if they can limit the number of their employees (from salespeople to surveyors through to installers and inspectors/project managers)entering the property.. Once this has been established, make sure you know each person (by name) that will be working on the project and try and keep the number of people that are entering the home to a minimum and always maintain the social distancing guidelines of 2m apart.

#4 Preparing your home for tradespeople

More often than not, when you’re having work done on a property or a company visits your home, people may need to use your bathroom and potentially your kitchen facilities. Whilst we’d never suggested shutting these off to the people you want to work on your home, we’d recommend speaking with the company before they start work to establish the ground rules like checking they are okay with bringing their own lunch to eat in their van or away from the building, to limit the amount of contact they have in your home. Most companies will be prepared for this and will likely expect it…

If you’re having extensive work done and will be using a lot of different tradespeople, like roofers, plumbers and electricians, you might want to ask them to consider hiring a chemical toilet for your garden or outside your home. You can get these for as little as £50 a week and it could save you and them a massive headache!

#5 Stock up on cleaning products

If you invite people into your home, they will need to touch things and areas of your home. So, with this in mind, make sure they bring cleaning products to wipe down door handles and surfaces they may touch.

It is recommended that you buy in some cleaning materials yourself just in case. f you’ve been to a supermarket in recent months, you’ll have seen the anti-bacterial hand gel at the door and staff wiping down trolleys after each use so just to be on the safe side, do the same! Wipes are a quick and easy way to do this and are particularly handy if you’ve had to shut the water off. You can even leave them outside each room and ask tradespeople to give handles, light switches and plug sockets a quick wipe down if they’ve been used.

#6 No shaking hands!

It’s customary to shake hands in a professional relationship, particularly when a deal is made and a job is complete. It may go against every instinct in your body but physical contact is a big no-no! Instead simply laugh it off with your tradesperson and say “I think it’s best we don’t shake on it!”. Most will be thinking the exact same thing anyway.

Inviting a tradesperson into your home needn’t be a stressful or even dangerous situation. Chances are, once you let them into home, you leave them to do the job anyway. Trust us, no tradesperson does their best work with a customer lurking over their shoulder! So, make those renovations, turn your house into a dream home and make sure if you do make any home improvements, tag us in a picture on Instagram or tweet us (@myglazing).

New GGF Consumer Campaign ‘Stay Safe with MyGlazing’

News |

The GGF has launched a new campaign focusing on raising consumer confidence in the home improvement sector due to the impact of COVID-19, as research reveals that one in five UK homeowners still feel nervous about letting tradespeople into their home.

The Campaign will be driven from MyGlazing.com, the GGF’s independent and award winning consumer advice site.

The ‘Stay Safe with MyGlazing’ campaign will centre around a new ‘Stay Safe’ hub, which will be hosted on the MyGlazing.com website and feature a series of advice articles and top tips.

New fresh content will cover a range of consumer related topics following the impact of the current pandemic, including health and safety, trusting companies to install domestic glazing products, professionally but most importantly, safely.

The ‘Stay Safe with MyGlazing’ campaign will use an independent but bespoke survey of 1000 UK homeowners, to determine consumer attitudes to home improvements following the pandemic. The results from the survey will be distributed to regional and national media, reaching millions of consumers and driving homeowners to the ‘Stay Safe with MyGlazing’ online hub for advice.

Partnering with PR agency, Refresh, and digital marketing agency, SLX, the campaign will be supported by search engine marketing (SEM) and optimisation (SEO) activity and a six month social media drive across key consumer social media platforms. So look out for #StaySafewithMyGlazing on social media platforms.

James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs

James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs commented: “During the pandemic, the GGF has worked consistently with Government departments to ensure we have been providing the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19. Now lockdown measures have eased and tradespeople can begin working again, it is time for us to pass on the confidence we have in the industry to homeowners.”

“We’ve already started doing this with the launch of our Safe Guide for Homeowners back in May, but we wanted to build on this initiative to ensure we’re providing homeowners with all of the information they need to confidently let tradespeople into their homes safely.”

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director added, “Our ‘Stay Safe with MyGlazing’ campaign will help build confidence amongst consumers during these difficult times. The Government has stated that consumer spend in construction in particular, is vital to the economy. The GGF is investing in this campaign to not only boost consumer confidence but also to help GGF Members recover from the impact of COVID-19”.

Lucy Moore, Account Director at Refresh, added: “Understandably there’s hesitation from some homeowners regarding getting home improvements done in the current climate. The ‘Stay Safe with MyGlazing’ campaign is a great way for homeowners to establish trust in home improvement companies and to improve their homes.”

Graham Hansell, Head of Planning at SLX.marketing continued: “With the growth of search engine demand for home improvements to support work from home (conservatories, summer house, garden office, garden rooms) and the start in June searches for “is it safe to have workers in your home”, now is the time for this campaign. It will support the consumer and the GGF members and with MyGlazing.com being a trusted, supportive and informative resource, it’s just what consumers are looking for in the current climate.”

GGF Members on MyGlazing.com

The GGF will provide regular updates to show the progress and highlight the success of the campaign. In the meantime, all Members who have a profile on MyGlazing.com are encouraged to update their profile pages with promotions, news, links to their website, images and case studies etc. Members can also send product images to marketing@ggf.org.uk to be included in the MyGlazing.com “Be Inspired” section.   

To view the ‘Stay Safe with MyGlazing’ online hub please visit: https://www.myglazing.com/stay-safe/

Top tips for planning your renovation

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Has being stuck in your house during the lockdown made you think about a refurb? Has it given you a greater appreciation of your home with more time to look at the things you want to improve? If so, you’re not alone. We at MyGlazing.com can give you all you need to know about what you can do to prepare your home for a refurbishment, ahead of your decision to employ a tradesperson to make those much-wanted and much-needed improvements. 

Make a list

Start by listing all the things you’d want from your renovation if money was no object. Then split this down the middle into ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice to haves’. Ensure you cover the must-haves first and then you can consider the non-essentials if budget allows. Having it all down in front of you means you won’t miss anything, but equally, helps you work within your budget.

Work out your timeline

On this point, we’d always recommend starting at the end. Ask yourself if the work you need to be done has to be carried out by a certain deadline. For example, does the job need to be complete before the cold weather hits? Or maybe you need to have a room finished before a baby joins the family?

By starting at the end and working backwards, giving yourself a few weeks leeway for any delays you think you might run into, you can ensure you give yourself enough time. Remember sometimes things tend to take longer than you perhaps envisaged and sometimes little things crop up that you didn’t account for. And bear in mind that it could take longer to find a tradesperson or company over the summer months as they catch up on jobs following the lockdown.

Plan your budgets

On the surface sometimes working out the money side of things can appear a bit mundane, especially when there are product colours, styles and designs to discuss. It can be easy to get carried away with a renovation and before you know it you’ve crept over what you originally planned to spend. So, ensure you have a budget tracker and regularly update it. It’s also wise to ask those that will be carrying out the job about any additional costs they foresee occurring in the project.

Get creative

MyGlazing.com has a section full of inspirational images and ideas to help you get creative. You can visit it here.

Alternatively, Pinterest and Instagram are great visual social media platforms for working out what colour schemes, styles and finishes you like. It can sometimes be a good idea to put your ideas down onto mood boards to help you visualise and provide some much-needed inspiration after months of lockdown.

There are also some great TV programmes (such as Grand Designs and The Great Interior Design Challenge), that can be truly inspirational for renovations and property makeovers. 

Engage your company, architect or project manager remotely

After months of working remotely, companies, architects and project managers will be well versed with the video call. The first things they’ll likely want to know is your address so they can check planning policies and the general type of building you live in. They will also need a good idea of your timelines and the budget.

Now for the exciting bit! You should come prepared with information on what you’re wanting to achieve design-wise with the glazing renovation. Are you planning a refurb so you could be working in a healthier home with more natural light and moderate temperatures? Or maybe you’re needing more space and have a conservatory or garden room in mind.  

It’s likely that on your call to the company, the architect of project manager you contact, will ask you to walk them around the property (via a video meeting software like Zoom or Skype or just via your phone camera on face time, so they can get a feel for it. Worth noting, to ensure the space is easy to get around and records and that you use a device with a good camera.

Vet the company or tradesperson that will be doing the work

Once you know what the actual work will look like, you’ll need to appoint a professional company with skilled tradespeople to do the work. In these times, it’s more important than ever to vet them properly, so it’s advised that you select a company that is registered with a professional trade body that promotes the highest industry standards, such as the Glass and Glazing Federation.

This way, you’ll know they adhere to the international, European and British standards required as well as complying with the GGF Consumer Code of Best Practice. Once you’ve done this, shortlist three or four GGF Members to quote for the job – you can find them on the MyGlazing.com find a company directory.

During the decision-making process, you should ensure that they can prove that they’ll take health and safety seriously as they should be following the GGF Safe Guide for Companies working during COVID-19. You can check out our article on things to consider before letting a tradesperson safely into your home, here.

We hope this article has provided you with a good starting point for planning the initial stages of your renovation remotely. Now the fun starts; happy renovating!

Back to Stay Safe Homepage

REMINDER – Use the GGF Safe Guides

COVID 19, News |

With the UK coming out of lockdown and the health statistics showing a reduction in cases and deaths, some may believe the COVID-19 virus has gone away. Unfortunately, the coronavirus is still here and the GGF urges all home improvement companies to use the GGF Safe Guides to help keep their customers and employees safe when carrying out work during this pandemic.

In May, the GGF was first to launch comprehensive installer and homeowners’ Safe Guides for the industry. The high-quality content which is underpinned by the latest Government Guidance has seen a huge interest with over 3,500 downloads.

The GGF Safe Guides are now also listed and linked on the Government’s website in the trade association support section as well as being available from other related websites.

The Guides are free for all in the industry to download and use. To freely access and download the GGF Safe Guides please click on the links below:

GGF Safe Guide for Homeowners

GGF Safe Guide for Companies/Installers working in people’s homes

Industry tackles COVID-19 with GGF Safe Guides

COVID 19, News |

In May, the GGF was first to launch comprehensive installer and homeowners’ Safe Guides for the industry. The high-quality content which is underpinned by the latest Government Guidance has seen a huge upsurge in downloads and usage of the Guides as well as an increase in page views of general GGF COVID-19 content on the GGF’s website.

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “With the industry trying to get back on its feet against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very encouraging that companies and homeowners appear to be using the GGF’s trusted and clear guidance on health and safety to carry out safe installations in people’s homes.”  

The GGF Safe Guides are now also listed and linked on the Government’s website in the trade association support section. The GGF is one of only six trade bodies in construction to be listed on the Government’s site and the only one representing the complete glass, glazing and fenestration industry supply chain.

The Safe Guides are also featured on the National Home Improvement Council’s (NHIC) COVID-19 online resource portal.

As well as receiving Government and NHIC endorsement, other organisations have praised and referenced the Safe Guides including Trading Standards, Construction Products Association and FENSA as well as other trade bodies in the construction industry. 

The online statistics from Google Analytics highlight the Safe Guides’ popularity and usage.

  • Over 3,500 downloads
  • Over 42,800 page views of COVID-19 content
  • An increase of 18% of visits to GGF.org.uk
  • 84% of GGF Members have read the guides according to the latest results of the GGF Members’ Survey “Coping with COVID-19”.

As companies continue to work around the pandemic, the GGF is continuing to promote the Safe Guides with a new web banner advert on the GGF’s website home page. The banner advert links directly to GGF’s Publications/Health and Safety webpage where the guides can be freely downloaded.

James Lee GGF Director of External Affairs added, “The web statistics for our Safe Guides clearly show the industry is finding them highly useful to continue to operate during this pandemic. The Guides were produced in collaboration with our members who have contributed greatly to this joint effort that seems to be benefiting the entire industry. I’d like to thank all the GGF members for their outstanding and unselfish support in the production and promotion of the Safe Guides. Without their contribution, our industry would struggle even more during the road to recovery from this pandemic.”

John Agnew added, “We will continue to communicate with central and devolved governments on the changes to the guidance, as and when it happens and cascade any changes to the industry. The GGF has welcomed all companies in the industry to read and use our guidance, regardless of their size, sector, location or status. We will continue to help the industry recover in any way we can, whether its lobbying government, producing safety guides or tailoring our services to ensure companies get through these difficult times.”

To get free access and download the GGF Safe Guides please click on the links below:

GGF Safe Guide for Homeowners

GGF Safe Guide for Companies/Installers working in people’s homes

GGF receives Government confirmation that Showrooms can Re-open

COVID 19, News, Politics |

In the last few weeks the GGF has received numerous queries regarding whether or not Showrooms can be re-opened following the Government’s Guidance on working in people’s homes was released on 11th May.

The GGF has contacted the Director of Construction at the Government department of Business Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to ask if Showrooms could re-open.

The GGF was informed that the scope of the guidance on retail has been a subject of debate within Government, however it was confirmed that the interpretation now is that, if a firm is selling products that are linked to the home, either furnishings or for home improvement, they would be covered by the exemption for “homeware, building supplies and hardware”.

The Government emphasized though that if firms in England choose to open premises they must apply social distancing guidelines, and if social distancing is difficult then perhaps companies should consider opening on an appointment-only basis.

So it is up to companies to decide whether or not to open their showrooms, but if they choose to do so, they need to apply the Safer Working guidelines as published by Government for companies and individuals operating in England.

To read the Government guidance on safe working please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

GGF warns of COVID-19 misinformation

COVID 19, News, Politics |

In the last week, the GGF has observed further examples of misinformation around the COVID-19 situation and its impact on the home improvement sector.

Given the serious nature of this misinformation, the GGF has now raised this matter with Government who have confirmed that the misinformation is inaccurate, incorrect and was opinion and not fact-based

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director, commented on the issue, “It is unacceptable for anyone to be acting in this way at a time when our industry needs accurate, correct and verified information.

By contrast, in the last week the GGF has launched a “first to market” Safe Guide for Homeowners, followed by the launch of the GGF’s new Safe Guide for Home Improvement Companies, which offers comprehensive, accurate and up to date information for installers to work safely in people’s homes.  

The new Guides have integrated the most recent and relevant Government Guidance on working safely in people’s homes during the COVID-19 crisis.

James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs commented, “The GGF policy has always been to deliver high quality information that can be trusted by both trade and consumers and both these guides are to the expected GGF standard.”

Both new publications have been produced in collaboration with a diverse cross section of Industry experts, GGF Members, GGF Staff and Government officials.

John Agnew added, “In these difficult times, I would also advise all companies to follow the GGF and Government Guidance available, and to avoid the misinformation that is out there. This misinformation and misleading opinion appear to be designed to divide our industry at a time when, more than ever, we need to be united and rebuild following the devastating impact of COVID-19. As always, the GGF will continue to liaise with Government and work with Members and industry experts, to ensure the best possible information and guidance is made available to help companies and consumers cope through these extraordinary times.”

Read/download the Safe Guide for Homeowners here

Read/download the Safe Guide for Home Improvement Companies here

Government Guidance Paramount as Industry Restarts

COVID 19, Health, Safety and Environment, News, Politics |

During the COVID-19 crisis, the GGF has remained at the forefront of breaking news and conveying key guidance to the industry. As the Government is starting to rejuvenate the economy, the GGF calls on companies to adjust to the safety guidance and ensure that all work is carried out as safely as possible.

The Government Guidance issued on 12th May, included more detailed guidance that was integrated in the two new GGF Safe Guides; one for companies/individuals working in homes and one for occupants in domestic properties wanting to make home improvements.

The information in the GGF Guides, underpinned by the official Government Guidance, has provided the clarity and criteria required to allow companies to decide if work can be undertaken safely or not.

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “It is vital that companies carry out a proper risk assessment for each and every job and that the Government Guidance is continuously followed. I am aware of many Members who have already made the necessary adjustments to their working practices and I expect all Members to adapt to the Government Guidance to ensure their employees and customers’ health and safety takes priority.”  

The GGF Safe Guides and numerous articles on the GGF website have been produced in partnership with Members, industry experts, Government officials and GGF Senior Staff.

The Safe Guide for Homeowners, underlines the important service and products the industry provides to consumers. The GGF and its Members are well aware of the need to rebuild consumer confidence and recognises the significant contribution that consumer spend on home improvements makes to driving the UK economy.

John Agnew adds, “Following the recommencement of work as clarified by Government last week, it is imperative that the supply chain re-connects for the benefit of all, from manufacturing though to domestic installation and homeowners. Above all though, is health and safety and I urge all companies to ensure they follow the GGF Guides, which are firmly aligned with the Government Guidance, for working safely during COVID-19.” 

Read/download the Safe Guide for Homeowners here

Read/download the Safe Guide for Home Improvement Companies here

GGF Launches Safe Guide for Homeowners

COVID 19, News |

The GGF is pleased to announce the launch of a much-needed consumer publication titled, “The Safe Guide for Homeowners – employing a glazing company to improve your home during the COVID-19 crisis”

The Safe Guide has been produced to reassure homeowners that their safety is paramount when using a GGF Member company. The Safe Guide highlights that any work being undertaken must consider, as a priority, the Government and Public Health England guidance.  The Safe Guide also includes the many reasonable measures that must be taken by home improvement companies when working in people’s homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “In these difficult times, it is important the GGF supports its Members more than ever to ensure that any work undertaken is done safely and in line with the latest Government guidance. I advise all home improvement Members, to provide their customers and potential customers with this new Safe Guide to offer them greater reassurance if essential work is being carried out in their home during this pandemic.”       

Due to the likelihood of change in the guidance and legislation during the COVID-19 crisis, this Safe Guide for Homeowners will be in digital format only and will be available for download from both GGF websites – the trade site www.ggf.org.uk and the GGF’s consumer advice site www.myglazing.com.

The GGF is aiming to launch a “Safe Guide for Tradespeople in Domestic properties” next week to complement this new homeowner guide.

You can view and/or download the low-res GGF Safe Guide for Homeowners here

For GGF Members, you can view and/or download the printable new High-Res GGF Safe Guide for Homeowners here

GGF Provides Further Clarity on COVID-19 Guidance

COVID 19, News, Politics |

Following reported confusion in the Glass & Glazing industry last week around the issue of whether or not companies can work in domestic properties, it was incumbent on the GGF as the industry’s leading trade body to contact Government with some of the key questions raised by GGF Members.

Throughout the COVD-19 crisis the GGF has always been strictly aligned to the Government Guidance and Public Health England (PHE) Guidelines. These guidelines were published on the GGF website on 8 April and cited in numerous subsequent GGF articles which included a direct link through to the Government web page on Social Distancing Guidance which can be read here.

The GGF has been in correspondence with Government since the start of the lockdown and has been careful to convey an accurate and credible position based on the information received from Government. In addition, the GGF has also been careful not to get embroiled in speculation and interpretations, which have led to unfounded rumours and misinformation causing reported confusion within the industry. These are serious issues and poor advice could in the worst case lead to loss of life and companies potentially facing very difficult legal positions.

The GGF position remains, as it has been since the outbreak of COVID-19 and that is; that companies must follow Government and Public Health England (PHE) Guidance on working in construction and in people’s homes and if working in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales to follow devolved Governments’ guidance, before taking any decision to carry out installation, repair or maintenance work.

In the last few days, the GGF has sought and gained further clarity from the Government Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and reiterates that companies must follow the latest Government guidance.

  • In unoccupied properties; the Government advises that work can continue, only if it is safe to do so but companies must adhere to the Government Social Distancing guidance, which can be found here.
  • In occupied properties, the Government guidance emphasizes that only essential repair or maintenance work should be carried out and, only if it is safe to do so and is carried out strictly in line with the Government Social Distancing guidance which can be read here.

Note: Essential can be defined as; work required on a building where the occupants’ health and safety could be at risk. For example, this could be a damaged window or door, or a window or door that may be beyond repair and require replacement. 

In relation to any essential work involved in a dwelling, this should only be carried out with the prior willing agreement of the occupants/owners.

  • Work that should not be undertaken includes non-essential home improvements inside occupied properties. This could include work such as upgrading windows and doors, glass interiors (such as screens, partitions, kitchen counter tops, splashbacks etc.), decorative glazing and roof lights (unless deemed an essential replacement).
  • Work outside the home on land surrounding the property, the Government guidance shows that this can be carried out if it is safe to do so and in line with Government Guidelines on Social Distancing. This could include conservatories, porches, orangeries, extensions, replacement roofline and glass and garden structures.
  • New build and housebuilding, the Government guidance shows this can continue, if it is safe to do so and in line with Government Guidance on Social Distancing and the Site Operating Procedures (SOP) published by the Construction Leadership Council. (The latest version of SOP was published on the GGF website on 15 April you can read this document here)
  • Manufacturing and processing, the Government advice shows that this can continue, if it is safe to do so and in line with Government Guidance on Social Distancing and guidance on the correct Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). The GGF published this specific guidance on 16 April, it can be found here.

The GGF asks that all companies refer to the Government guidelines in conjunction with the above clarification, prior to taking the responsible decision to undertake work or not.

The GGF emphasizes that health & safety comes first and that prior to making any decision, it is advised that all companies undertake a proper health and safety risk assessment for each individual job. The GGF published guidance on health and safety risk assessments on 7 April, you can read this here.

In addition the GGF urges all companies, prior to undertaking any work, to check with their insurers that they are covered for Public Health and Health and Safety Employer liability.

The GGF also advises that if work is undertaken, that companies must ensure their employees have suitable PPE as outlined in the Government Guidance.  

At present, there is no set date for when the Social Distancing guidelines will change or will be eased. The GGF will continue to update Members and the industry as and when information from Government is received. It is in anticipated that there will be further Government announcements this week on Social Distancing in the workplace.

To see all the COVID-19 updates on the GGF website please visit: https://www.ggf.org.uk/category/covid-19/

Welcome to the Spring edition of Glassi

Glassi |

From the Top
John Agnew
GGF Managing Director

It’s been an unprecedented start to the new decade for the GGF and our industry as the UK trading environment finds itself in its most troubling time since World War Two. Firstly, there was the uncertainty around the UK leaving the EU and though it is now in its Transition Period, there are still concerns for companies with regards to potential labour and materials shortages as well as changes in legislation.

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Secondly but of much more immediate concern, is the adverse effect of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) which is seeing businesses in the UK and Ireland struggle to remain solvent, as each day the Government announces more measures to stop the spread of the deadly virus, whilst simultaneously trying to support companies and employees.

The GGF has set up a special COVID-19 Business Continuity Support section on the Members’ Area of the GGF website. In addition, the GGF is also sending out daily emails to provide guidance, support and information to help companies cope through this crisis. We have also cancelled all our face to face meetings until further notice, and have temporarily suspended our conciliation and consultancy service as well as the postponement of the Trustmark Scheme and Consumer Code audits. The GGF Deposit Indemnity Fund is also no longer taking new deposits from 1st April. These necessary measures have been taken due to the current market conditions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

In this issue of GLASSi, we have a full summary of the Government’s support and guidance so far and also an outline of the GGF plans to continue to help you through this crisis.

On a lighter note, in the first quarter of the year, the GGF has seen some new arrivals and fond farewells. Firstly, my congratulations to Mark Austin of Hazlemere Windows who has become the 25th President of the Federation and was welcomed by Members, Staff and guests at the President’s Reception held in London on in February. In this issue of GLASSi, Mark shares his background in the industry and his route to the Presidency of the GGF. I very much look forward to working with Mark during his tenure as GGF President.

Talking of the GGF Board, I am also pleased to announce that Richard Sellman of Thermoseal and Paul Kellett of Anglian Home Improvements have been elected to the GGF Board as Chairmen of the Glazing Executive and Home Improvement Executive respectively.

The Board changes have also seen David Thornton and Mike Butterick recently step down from their positions as GGF Board Directors. I would like to thank both David and Mike for their great commitment, time and work whilst on the Board.   

On the subject of changes, in January I took up my position as incoming Managing Director following the decision by Steve Rice, Managing Director to retire at the end of February 2020.

It is only fitting that in this edition, we interview Steve has he reflects on his three decades at the GGF where he was instrumental in advancing the GGF’s technical department and establishing the Federation’s status as the industry’s leading technical authority.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Steve for all his great service to Federation over the last 30 years and also for his handover during the first two months of this year, which has been invaluable in preparing me for the role of GGF Managing Director.

In February, the GGF held an inaugural Chairpersons’ Forum which was attended by 31 Chairs from the Regions, Countries, Technical Groups and Committees. It was a significant meeting that showed the diversity and strength of the Federation. At the Forum, Members raised their concerns and aired their views on subjects such as training and skills, standards, compliance and the GGF’s operations and activity. Rest assured, we have taken stock of the concerns raised by the Chairs and plan to integrate their positive suggestions to make the required changes and ensure we continue to deliver the very best services for the benefit of our Members.

Over the next few months, trading and remaining solvent will be difficult for many companies in our industry. The GGF staff, though working from home will continue to be fully committed to helping you cope in the current crisis and will continue to deliver the core services you may need to help sustain your business and also to help you prepare for when the business environment returns to normal in the UK. In the meantime, please follow the Government guidelines and stay safe and well.

John Agnew
GGF Managing Director

GGF

40 Rushworth Street,
London, SE1 0RB
+44 (0)207 939 9100

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