British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) members are looking forward to a recovery starting in 2012 after the capacity reductions of the past two years, President Jack Sanderson said at the association's Annual Dinner.

Mr Sanderson said: "We expect that 2011 will be another very difficult year, but hopefully we can see some light at the end of the tunnel and recovery will get under way in 2012."

Mr Sanderson said it was disappointing that amendments to the Construction Act that will improve payment practices in construction have been postponed until October, but this would at least give more time to the BCSA to give detailed training to members’ staff in how to get full value from the changes.

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The sector's health and safety performance continues to improve, ahead of government targets for a 60% reduction in reportable injuries over ten years. There were no reportable injuries involving BCSA members resulting from falls from height for the second year running. "We place great emphasis on eliminating accidents and injuries and health and safety of our people is always at the top of our agenda," said Mr Sanderson. "Our recent performance is particularly creditable against a background of difficult contractual conditions and the current economic climate."

Mr Sanderson announced the opening of a new northern office in Doncaster to house the staff associated with the new joint marketing initiative between BCSA and Tata Steel which involves Tata Steel staff being seconded to BCSA. Mr Sanderson said: "We are expanding our joint market development activities with a number of initiatives such as growing a regional advisory team, an extensive research and development programme, and new promotional campaigns."

(CD/GK)