The Government's decision to keep the construction industry training body,CITB-ConstructionSkills, in the public sector is welcome but it must continue its focus on delivering the skilled workforce our industry needs to ensure construction can deliver the low carbon economy, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The Cabinet Office recently reviewed allpublic bodies with a view to cutting quangos and saving money. As a result of the review the Government has announced that CITB-ConstructionSkills is to be retained in the public sector, continuing to report to Ministers at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

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Richard Diment, Director General of the FMB said: "The FMB is very pleased that the Government has decided to retain ConstructionSkills within the public sector. The Government’s decision reflects the vital work that ConstructionSkills does to promote much needed investment in the construction sector. Hopefully, the decision will mean that we can all concentrate on the urgent need to deliver the skilled work force that our industry needs."

Mr Diment continued: "Construction companies need to invest in training if they are to meet the challenges of the creation of a low carbon economy. ConstructionSkill’s 'Cut the Carbon' campaign, which the FMB is a supporter of, has done much to raise awareness among employers of the need to upskill but there is more to do to encourage employers to train their teams and ensure they are ready for the upturn when it comes."

(CD/GK)