New legislation on workplace disputes has been launched. Gareth Edwards and Clive Day explain the facts that you need to know.

AJ Sibthorpe and sister firm Clic are carrying out a fast track refurbishment on the Prince Edward Theatre in London.

Over 10 000 m of Greening’s cable and ladder tray are being fitted in the new hq for the Health and Safety Executive in Bootle.

An illuminated interpretation of Paolo Uccello’s painting The Battle of San Romano has been created in St Andrew’s Church, Exeter using EncapSulite T5 Stick-Lites.

Are manufacturers using the issue of soaring steel prices to take advantage of contractors? Nigel LeMarechal examines the issues from the sharp end.

A common error is to assume that the number 3 that appears on the labels of mcbs means triple-pole device.

Tests have shown that basket tray can be used as a shield for electromagnetic disturbances, says Matthew Way.

20 young electrical and plumbing apprentices were presented with JTL London Apprentice of the Year Awards at an event held by the Employers’ Training Forum.

Deskilling dilemma

In a little over a month after this issue hits the streets, the new Part P of the Building Regulations becomes law.

The ECA has been instrumental in proposing changes to procedures for the removal and replacement of company cut-out seals by electrical contractors.

In the event of a dispute that is referred to adjudication, ECA members should be aware that they are able to request that the ECA president nominates an adjudicator.

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) goes from strength to strength.

With the arrival of Part P of the Building Regulations imminent, the ECA and NICEIC have jointly published the Electrical installers’ guide to the Building Regulations.

When mains gas is not suitable for heating and hot water, electricity is proving ideal, raising opportunities for contractors.

Retentions and payment hit the Government agenda in the March Budget, but have any changes been made? Michael Latham reviews the latest developments.

South Yorkshire company L J Monks sets course on a major reorganisation, with the formation of a corporate group, headed by group managing director Warren Monks, and new office and workshop facilities.

Increased government and private sector building work lifted overall construction activity during the third quarter of 2004 according to Construction industry trade surveys, a report compiled by the Construction Confederation and Construction Products Association.

The cost of asbestos-related diseases in Britain could reach £20 billion over the next 30 years, according to the Faculty and Institute of Actuaries. But, while the west gears itself up for a deluge of insurance claims, more asbestos is being installed in Asia than was consumed in the USA at the peak of its use 30-40 years ago.

A draft of the proposed prospectus for the formation of a new institution made up of members from the IIE and IEE has been unanimously accepted by the IIE Council.

Novar, the group behind top electrical names such as MK, Bardic and Gent, is facing a bitter takeover battle as it fends off a bid from Melrose, the specialist bid vehicle.

Lord Chapple of Hoxton, former leader of the electricians’ union, died on 20 October, aged 83.

The rapidly rising cost of raw materials and oil, along with the booming Chinese economy, is inflating pvc-based construction product prices at unprecedented rates, claims electrical products trade association.

Consumers could be forced to pay a levy on electrical goods to fund the cost of recycling them, manufacturers have warned.

JTL has backed claims by the the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF) that the Government is backtracking on plans for publicly-funded apprenticeships for the over 25s.

Haden Young is suing Bovis Lend Lease claiming it was underpaid for work on BBC offices in White City, London.

Light Projects Group’s CFL Colour Changers are illuminating the University of Newcastle’s new Devonshire Building.

A new prefabricated, factory-tested cable system is cutting contractor time on site at Heathrow Terminal 5.

When live shopping channel QVC’s power supply at its south-west London hq became unreliable it sought help from WF Electrical.

Confused about PFI, PPP, DBFO and BOOT? Martin Wade reveals all you need to know about the Private Finance Initiative and its various offshoots.

With an introduction to go beneath it so on and so forum and the rest and the introductiongoes in hrer for the arts to Cardiff

Many electrical contractors throughout the UK are asking themselves: “Does Part P of the Building Regulations apply to me?” Well, if you carry out or are associated with electrical installation work in dwellings situated within England and Wales, the answer to this question is certainly “Yes”. If you want to avoid the complication and consequent costs of using Building Control to inspect your work, you are recommended to read on.

The National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers has been added to the list of scheme operators offering Competent Person schemes for contractors in respect of Part P.