Questions and Answers

My contractor tells me a job will be delayed and costs might go up because of materials shortages. What can I do?

Can employees call in sick for poor mental health?

The Government is talking about reintroducing imperial measure. As a construction company, do we need to change anything?

My Architect is proposing to employ a Clerk of Works on my project. How will that help?

I’m told I need to appoint an “Employer’s Agent” for my project. What is that and what do they do?

A prospective contractor for some repair work I’m planning has suggested doing it on a “cost plus” basis. What is this, and are there any drawbacks?

An employee has been diagnosed with a mental health illness. It has been suggested that we can develop with the employee a Wellness and Recovery Action Plan to assist them at work. What is this?

How do I tell whether an employee is suffering from anxiety rather than stress, and when does it become a mental health issue?

One of the essential workers on my night shift is a follower of the Islamic faith, and has come to me to talk about Ramadan. As we’re working with reduced staffing levels, we cannot allow her to take annual leave over this period as she would usually do. What provisions should we put in place to allow her to consume food and drink and take part in prayers through the night?

I’m concerned that my business will be liable for the new plastic tax as we use a lot of plastic packaging. What can I do to prepare for this and in particular, how can I find out whether the plastic we use contains any recycled material?