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Following the news in the Chancellor’s announcement last week of the Government’s new Green Homes Grant Scheme, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) received many calls and emails from anxious Members with some serious concerns regarding the scheme and its impact on their businesses.

Having listened to Members’ concerns, the GGF, as the industry’s main trade body, was quickly in contact with the Government department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Ongoing communications with BEIS on the matter have followed as the GGF aims to get more details of this major Government initiative.

The GGF asked five key questions and received the following answers from BEIS.

GGF: Is the Green Homes Grant Scheme going to include energy-efficient windows and doors?

BEIS: Yes, but as part of a wider refurbishment of homes aimed at achieving EPC Level C. The aim of the scheme is to significantly improve energy and heat efficiency, which can only be achieved by a number of measures.

GGF: Is there any possibility of the scheme being brought forward from September to say early August? As many companies in our sector are concerned that the two or three month delay in orders could create a hiatus and seriously affect their business and cash flow following the COVID-19 impact on their businesses.

BEIS: It’s highly unlikely that the scheme will be brought forward.

GGF: It has been mentioned that consumers will be able to claim for vouchers and then pass them on to “approved installers”. Can you clarify how the scheme is going to be administered and what the criteria would be for “approved installers”?

BEIS: We do not have further details of the criteria at this stage. However, it’s fair to assume installers would need to be qualified and registered with a relevant body or scheme to demonstrate they are competent to perform the work and ensure appropriate consumer protection.

GGF: Who is actually going to administer the scheme?

BEIS: Funding will be provided to BEIS, and administered through the Simple Energy Advice website.

GGF: Can you provide any information on the application criteria for homeowners? For example, will be means tested? Is there a timeframe for application and deadlines for work to be carried out following successful application?

BEIS: Landlords or homeowners in England only will be able to apply to the scheme. It will be means-tested, with part-funding for measures covering up to two-thirds of the cost, subject to a ceiling of £5K for those not on low incomes, but the full cost of these measures subject to a ceiling of £10K available for low-income households. Applications will be through the Simple Energy Advice website, and vouchers will be issued to homeowners if their application is successful. It is expected that details of the timeframe within which this works needs to be done and published before the scheme starts in September.

On receiving these answers from Government, John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented:

“Having heard some more of the detail, we are now cautiously optimistic about this proposed new scheme. On the day of the announcement, we listened to Members’ reactions and we fully share their concerns. Although we are pleased the Government is responding to our queries fairly quickly, we are still uncertain about the real impact of this scheme and its potential benefits to our Members.

We have already received numerous reports of consumers putting off orders until the scheme is launched in September, so they can benefit from the funding. The scheme’s timing is clearly creating a hiatus in trade and is seriously disturbing news for the sector.”

“We appreciate this scheme is part of the Government’s long term plan to make existing properties more energy efficient and this is welcomed, but with the COVID-19 pandemic still with us and its negative impact on business and consumer confidence, the last thing we need is another damaging blow that could create cash flow problems and an employment crisis in the industry.”

With more reports of customer cancellations, the GGF has since written directly to Cabinet Ministers and Junior Ministers in the Government departments of BEIS, The Treasury and the Prime Minister’s Office, urging them to take immediate action.

The GGF has also issued a template letter to all its Members asking them to write to their local MPs to increase traction with Government and to try and influence change.

The template letter not only highlights the issue of the timing of the scheme and the damaging impact it is having on the industry, but it also proposes solutions, such as fast tracking the scheme or allowing homeowners to claim funding retrospectively. Both proposed solutions could retrieve the situation. 

On Friday 10 July, the GGF attended the Government Work Stream on Repair Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) – a video-meeting hosted by BEIS and attended by home improvement trade bodies to help shape the strategies and policies to enable the industry to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

Following the meeting, John Agnew commented, “At our video meeting with Government, I once again robustly conveyed our feelings on the timings of the Green Homes Grant Scheme and underlined how it is negatively affecting the home improvement sector. We now await the Government’s response to our latest questions and any further news we receive will be cascaded to Members as soon as possible. In the meantime we will continue to help our Members through this extremely difficult time.”

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/

The GGF has underlined its positions on several issues around the developing COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the glass and glazing industry. In a statement to GGF Members and the Industry, John Agnew GGF, Managing Director clarified the GGF’s position with regard to the issue on whether companies should choose to close temporarily or to continue operating safely. The statement also addressed the cash flow crisis and the economic situation ahead.

Statement from John Agnew, GGF Managing Director:

Since the outbreak of this terrible virus and the impact on our industry, the GGF has maintained a consistent and responsible position to help primarily our Member companies and also the wider industry.

During the crisis, the GGF has aligned itself with Government advice and guidelines which have admittedly changed as the crisis has developed. There is no doubt, that some of the Government’s messages for our industry have caused confusion and misinterpretation. The GGF can’t answer for the Government but can only interpret and relay the information as and when we receive it.

To date, the GGF has been extremely active during the COVID-19 pandemic. To highlight this, a summary of all of our activity has now been published on our website. Our regular communications to GGF Members and the wider industry as well as our engagement with government and related construction trade bodies have been welcome from the feedback we have received. In addition, throughout these extraordinary times, the GGF has also maintained its core services to underline our leading and proactive role as the industry’s main trade body.

In the past few weeks, some in the industry have questioned our position on various Government messages and none more so than the specific issue around installers continuing to work in domestic premises.

On this point of whether or not window and door installers and glaziers should be considered essential or non-essential workers, the GGF sought and received clarification from Government which stated that there was no distinction between essential and inessential workers in construction. The Government is keen for the construction industry to continue, as long as it is safe to do so under Public Health England Guidelines and in line with the Government’s Social Distancing guidelines.

Following this clarification and the GGF’s distribution of the Government health and safety information, we have still received some queries regarding the issue from companies who are unsure.  

For further clarity, the GGF position on this issue, is in line with the Government’s advice and Public Health England Guidance, and as such we therefore urge employers to do the following:

1. Only continue to work if it is safe to do so within the health and safety guidelines as published on the Government website
2. Conduct a thorough health and safety risk assessment
3. Check with your insurers that you covered for Public Health and Health and Safety Employer liability

The GGF has also recently published the Government guidance for manufacturers and processors should they choose to continue to work.

With thousands of companies in our industry, I respect that every company’s situation may differ and that is why the GGF can’t offer individual or specific advice, but instead encourages employers to follow the Government guidelines and to make their own responsible decisions for the health and benefit of all concerned.

Other than health concerns, the issue facing most companies is the cash flow crisis. The GGF has published online advice articles and issued Government guidance on how companies can cope with cash flow problems. As well as the immediate financial needs, many businesses are also now preparing for the financial issues ahead with the inevitable recession on the horizon and lengthy economic recovery.

We are in unprecedented trading landscape and the GGF advice to all companies is to make a plan if you haven’t already done so to help you get through this situation.       

The GGF has internally adjusted its resources and refocused its strategies to ensure Members get greater and more specific support. We have published and promoted all of the relevant Government financial packages, which have been significant and comprehensive. I have no doubt that the responsible businesses in our industry, will use this Government support, take help them plan their future accordingly.

The new Government Business Support Hub has many options available should you require to apply for financial support.

The GGF has worked tirelessly throughout this crisis for the benefit of our Members and the wider industry and we will continue to do so. We are constantly monitoring and reviewing the Government updates, communicating key information and news to Members and the industry as well as relaying our Members’ concerns to Government. In addition, we are also continuing to provide the high level of technical services that are a core part of the GGF Member benefits.   

These times though extremely difficult will undoubtedly pass. For now, it is all about following Government guidance, staying safe and making the right decisions to ensure we emerge ready for when business and life returns to normal.

John Agnew

The Government on 8 April, released more guidance and specific information regarding the construction industry operating during the COVID-19 crisis.

The latest guidance is as follows:  

Tradespeople and working in people’s homes

• Tradespersons carrying out essential repairs and maintenance in people’s homes. You can continue work, providing that you are well and have no symptoms. You should notify all clients in advance of your arrival.
• On entry to the home you should wash your hands using soap and water for 20 seconds.
• You should wash your hands regularly, particularly after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing, and when leaving the property.
• Where facilities to wash hands are not available, hand sanitiser should be used, and you should carry this with you at all times.
• You should maintain a safe distance (at least 2 metres) from any household occupants at all times, and ensure good ventilation in the area where you are working, including opening the window.
• No work should be carried out in any household which is isolating or where an individual is being shielded, unless your work is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household, such as emergency plumbing or repair.
• No work should be carried out by a tradesperson who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild.

Construction

• Construction can continue if done in accordance with the social distancing guidelines wherever possible.
• Where it is not possible to follow the social distancing guidelines in full in relation to a particular activity, you should consider whether that activity needs to continue for the site to continue to operate, and, if so, take all the mitigating actions possible to reduce the risk of transmission.
• If you decide the work should go ahead, you should advise staff to wash their hands frequently using soap and water for 20 seconds, and especially after blowing their nose, sneezing or coughing, on arrival at work, before and after eating, after using public transport, and when they arrive home. Where facilities to wash hands are not available, hand sanitiser should be used.
• You should still advise staff to keep 2 metres apart as much as possible.
• You should plan work to minimise contact between workers and avoid skin-to-skin and face-to-face contact. Where face-to-face contact is essential, this should be kept to 15 minutes or less wherever possible.
• As much as possible, keep groups of workers working together in teams that are as small as possible (cohorting). For example, you keep vehicle crews working together, rather than mixing crew members on different shifts.
• Staff should also wash their hands each time before getting into enclosed machinery (such as diggers) with others, and wash their hands every time they get out. To help with this, you should consider adding additional pop-up handwashing stations or facilities, providing soap, water and/or hand sanitiser.
• Employees should keep the windows of enclosed machinery or enclosed spaces open for ventilation and be careful to avoid touching their face at all times. The inside of cabs should be regularly cleaned, particularly between use by different operators.
• You should try to use stairs in preference to lifts or hoists. Where lifts or hoists must be used, you should lower their capacity to reduce congestion and contact at all times, and regularly clean touchpoints, such as doors and buttons.
• To protect your staff, you should remind colleagues daily to only come into work if they are well and no one in their household is self-isolating.

The Construction Leadership Council has published more detailed advice on how you might carry out government guidance.

Additional useful information for firms can be accessed on BuildUK’s website.

To see the full Government guidance page for social distancing in the workplace during the coronavirus crisis please visit: the Government’s website