A partnership agreement has been signed by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with the aim of boosting employment and training in the construction sector.
Employment Minister Mark Hoban MP signed the agreement with the FMB at an event in Westminster on 4 June. It formalises the already collaborative relationship between the DWP and the FMB and pledges that both parties will do all they can to boost employment and training in the SME construction sector.

The agreement will help members with access to labour market intelligence; opportunities to recruit and train people keen to enter the SME construction sector; opportunities to recruit people under the Youth Contract and other DWP Initiatives including the Wage Incentive; and first hand information regarding new government employment initiatives and welfare reform such as the Youth Contract, Wage Incentive, Universal Credit and Universal Jobmatch.

National president of the FMB, Jim Gilmour, said: 'The FMB already has an extremely close working relationship with the DWP but this Partnership Agreement will allow us to build on that with the aim of improving access to those seeking a rewarding career in the construction SME sector. I am delighted to sign this agreement on behalf of the FMB and hope that it serves to raise the profile of our sector and raise awareness of the many opportunities available.'