Members of trade body Build UK have voted for continuation of the CITB levy.
Their decision means the skills organisation is likely to achieve the 50% it needs to survive the current Consensus process. Build UK represents more than 11,500 contractors and trade bodies, totalling in excess of 40% of the construction industry.
However, the trade body warned in a letter to the CITB that its support was conditional on reform.
“I can confirm that Build UK members have said yes to the continuation of the CITB levy as set out in the consensus question. Whilst a significant majority of members supported the continuation of the levy, Build UK has made it clear in their letter to CITB that this support is subject to the implementation of a clear reform programme,” said chief executive Susannah Nichol.
These reforms need to cover strategic direction, governance, funding and communication, she added.
“There is now an opportunity to build on the foundations of CITB, by accepting the recommendations of various reports to create a strong, effective skills framework that will benefit the whole industry,” Nichol said.
The CITB’s triennial Consensus process has been running between July and September 2017, with many construction companies and trade bodies expressing reservations about the skills organisation while supporting its continuation.
The Federation of Master Builders and the Civil Engineering Contractors Association both backed the levy while calling for reform.
Balfour Beatty CEO Leo Quinn said his firm was likely to vote against continuation of the levy before changing its mind.
The outcome of the Consensus vote will be known in November.
