Speaking last week in response to the Grenfell Inquiry report, deputy PM, Angela Rayner said the government would introduce a super regulator for the industry.

The trade body wants the government to go further and introduce a licensing scheme to ensure domestic builders have proven minimum competence.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB said the government has an opportunity to introduce a scheme to “drive standards and make construction safer for both builders and consumers”.

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A stonemason is suing his former employer after suffering irreparable lung damage from regularly breathing in silica dust.

48-year-old Ryan Fenton worked for Granite Transformations for eight years, cutting kitchen worktops. 

He claims both the dust extraction systems and PPE were ineffective.

Due to his medical condition, Fenton has had to quit work as stonemason and moved into adult social care 

Fenton told the Construction Index, that it was a massive blow to give up well paid work, he enjoyed.

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A co-working space, specifically for tradespeople, has opened in Ringwood, Hampshire.

TradePod offers local tradies workshop space, secure storage for tools and admin services, including bookkeeping, recruitment and marketing.

Anthony Tilley, who came up with the idea wants the site to become a community for trade businesses.

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