The trade body for fit-out specialists has described recent changes to training funding by the CITB as a “kick in the teeth” for contractors.

Leaders at the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) joined the attack on training chiefs after the Enquirer highlighted industry anger at the changes last week.

The CITB has given the industry only a few weeks notice that it will be closing the current Skills & Training (S&T) fund which is worth up to £10,000 to many smaller contractors.

CITB said the the S&T fund is being terminated to simplify the current system because it overlaps with the newer Employer Networks funding route

The FIS was one of only two trade bodies which voted against the CITB levy collecting powers being renewed earlier this year.

FIS Head of Skills and Training Beena Nana said: “For a membership that largely voted against the most recent levy order, primarily due to concerns around the structure of the levy and how the makeup of our workforce affects both what members contribute and what they are able to claim, this will feel like a real kick in the teeth.

“The decision to cut the Skills and Training Fund and giving businesses just over a month’s notice is short-sighted and only reinforces concerns that CITB is out of touch with the employers it is meant to support.

“Changes should be phased in and tested and considered in the context of the different businesses and business types that CITB is trying to serve, allowing businesses to budget and manage change.

“From where we are sat the withdrawal will almost certainly reduce the short-term return members receive on their levy contributions.

“Our message to CITB is fairly straightforward, simplification is needed, but don’t remove the simplest bits to use first!”