CITB targets firms ‘passing on the levy’

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has launched an anonymous online reporting tool in a bid to stop employers ‘passing on the levy’ to subcontractors. 

CITB described the move as part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring the levy system operates fairly and equitably across the construction industry. 

The levy is imposed on levy-registered construction employers that meet the criteria and is used to fund training and skills development within the industry.

CITB said it was aware of instances of some construction businesses or principal contractors deducting money from subcontractors or other workers’ wages, without agreement, to raise funds to pay their own levy. 

Subcontractors affected by these deductions can use the new reporting platform to report the issue anonymously. 

For those who wish for further action, CITB said it can make contact with the contractors involved and formally request that they cease making deductions.

Deb Madden, executive director of nations engagement at CITB, said: “Passing the levy down the supply chain reduces the overall investment in workforce development, undermining the purpose of the levy. 

“We are currently in a climate where we need to grow a highly skilled workforce to meet demand and get Britian building again. We need support from levy-paying employers to help us to provide longevity in careers within the sector and provide more opportunities for entry.”

Madden added that CITB believes the best way to resolve the issue of passing on the levy is through “industry self-regulation”.  

“Collaboration between CITB, employers, and other stakeholders is essential to developing sustainable solutions which foster a culture of fairness and responsibility in the sector,” she said.

The launch of the online reporting tool follows CITB’s announcement that its consultation on levy proposal options for 2026-29 will run from 26 September until 24 October. 

Feedback from the consultation will inform the development of the final levy proposals, as part of the CITB Consensus. 

Following the consultation period, CITB will measure consensus in early 2025.