An employment tribunal has ruled that four electricians were unfairly dismissed by electrical contractor DAF Electrical for trade union activities.

JTL has announced its apprentice funding package as part of its annual recruitment campaign. The deal includes all off-the-job training, key skills, college fees, NVQ registration and assessment and examination fees. The only costs to be met by employers are the apprentices’ wages, travel to and from training venues and required protective clothing and equipment.

The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers continues its support of the lighting industry with sponsorship of a comprehensive range of 15 awards each year. A clutch of these were presented recently, including the ECA-sponsored ECA/Lightmongers Award.

How do today’s apprentices compare with those of the past? Phil Wainwright outlines his experiences.

What environmental aspects must you consider when inspecting a construction site? Chris Ottaway outlines your responsibilities.

The development and modernisation of the MoD’s hq in Whitehall, London has been completed ahead of schedule. It was delivered under the private finance initiative by Skanska, with the integration of all of its in-house specialist construction teams into a single function, including m&e arm Skanska Rashleigh Weatherfoil.

The £352 million project to redevelop the early 1950s Grade One listed building included moving over 3000 staff into four alternative buildings. More than 16 000 people worked on the project, with up to 1700 operatives on the job at one time.

Philips Lighting’s scheme for the new Met Office in Exeter combines energy efficient light sources with flexible control and aesthetics. With the aim to achieve an Excellent BREEAM rating, use was made of T5 fluorescent technology, high frequency dimmable ballasts and the ECS Philips LightMaster 100 control system. The firm’s Milewide external luminaires were used to reduce light pollution. A series of Philips direct/indirect TPH 700 single and multiple luminaires were connected at 90° angles to the central bulkhead, each housing a 49 W TL5.

Savings of 40% energy costs are being achieved at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire laundry thanks to a new drive solution installed by ABB.

To meet the demand to fit more goods into its stores, supermarket group Tesco has designed a mezzanine concept using a customised Riegens lighting package.

Optical, wireless or copper: which way is data networking going? Mansel Healy clarifies the trends and options.

Tyco Electronics has introduced the AMO Netconnect EtherSeal Connectivity System to protect critical data communications in harsh environments. It provides a secure IP67-rated interface with audible feedback.

Ideal Industries has upgraded its Lantek 7 certification tester. The handheld Lantek 7G can test up to 1 GHz, enabling it to test ISO Class F, Category 6a/7.

Electrical contractors may face increased costs and possible fines for improper disposal of fluorescent lamps.

Four EMC readers are celebrating the chance of an adrenaline-filled day in a F1 car at the racetrack or a relaxing golf break after entering our Technical Expert series.

Southern Electric Contracting has taken on 78 apprentice electricians in its latest trainee intake. The firm received more than 750 applications for its latest scheme, which is the highest since it was set up in 1992. The apprentices will begin their working life at SEC in a series of six week-long regional induction courses focusing on the firm, its procedures and health and safety, before joining one of the company’s local offices.

Contractors have until 1 January 2005 to prepare for new electrical safety requirements in dwellings.

James Jones (right) is the tenth winner of the Jamie Loyley Award, presented annually by Goodmarriott & Hursthouse in memory of the apprentice who died in 1994.

Jones won the award as this year's best apprentice in training at the m&e contractor. He is currently studying for Stage 3 of his apprenticeship at Loughborough College. Darren Littlehales (left) presents the prize trophy and a cheque for tools.

The Edinburgh and Glasgow offices of NG Bailey are amalgamating, with the individual east and west coast operations being replaced by a ‘central belt’ emphasis.

The Government has given the go ahead for a Code for sustainable buildings to be produced. A drive to cut greenhouse gas emissions will form the heart of the Code. It will establish higher standards for energy and water efficiency, as well as waste and use of materials.

The ECA, Select and Amicus have struck a deal that will see electricians’ pay rise 14% over three years.

Making construction projects more efficient and profitable is the theme of the BSRIA Briefing 2004. To be held in London on 19 November, and supported by EMC, the event will investigate two money-saving techniques: prOSPa (promoting off-site production applications) and an IT initiative called The Avanti Programme.

Jane Davidson, minister for education and lifelong learning, helped launch SummitSkills in Wales. She said: “I see SummitSkills as a key partner in helping drive up skills and productivity in Wales.” Left to right: Keith Marshall, SummitSkills’ chief executive; Sara Edwards, BBC Wales; Jane Davidson and Simon Bartley, chair of SummitSkills.

Rapid increases in the price of steel and other raw materials are set to affect supplies to the construction industry. Trade body BEAMA Installation has predicted serious implications for contractors in the UK.

24 June was not England’s night, but a host of winners at the Building Services Awards had reason to celebrate.

Are fuses destined for the history books? EMC finds out the future of this reliable technology.

While initiatives such as the ECA’s Zero Accident Potential (ZAP) scheme are undoubtedly having an impact on the industry’s performance at the top end, the latest statistics on fatalities from the Health and Safety Executive highlight that the electrical sector as a whole continues to show scant regard for human life (page 7).

The ECA has joined forces with the NICEIC to launch a new, nationally recognised, domestic electrical installer qualification following the introduction of Part P.

Following the success of this year’s annual conference, the ECA has announced details of the 2005 Electrical Industry Conference. The event will take place between 14 and 21 May 2005 at the luxurious Valparaiso Hotel in Palma, Mallorca.

Ciaran McQuaid of Paul Braham & Sons, Newry, County Down is the winner of the 2004 ECA Edmundson Award. The 19-year old apprentice won the title against competition from nearly 1000 other eligible trainees.

Finally the Government has announced its intention to include domestic electrical installation work within the Building Regulations. From 1 January 2005 all electrical work in dwellings must comply with Part P requirements.

Twelve electrical and plumbing apprentices have been honoured at a prestigious ceremony held at the House of Lords for the JTL National Awards. The winners represent the ten regions of the JIB for the electrical contracting industry in England and Wales and are regarded as some of the best apprentices in the country.

Patch panels vary in style and features, so how can you select the best type for an application? Andy Walls outlines the choices.

If you or your firm want to be approved under the ‘Competent Person Schemes’ for Part P of the Building Regulations, don’t leave it until the last minute to apply for an assessment.

The Disability Discrimination Act means theatres may need to install new systems to comply. EMC looks at the options.

What are your responsibilities under the new laws governing the control of asbestos at work? John Davies outlines the details.

A new City Academy is about to open in Middlesbrough. How do these high profile government initiatives differ from traditional schools?

What do main contractors think of m&e specialists and what can you do to impress them? Andrew Brister reports on a survey conducted by EMC.

Ten people were killed in the installation of electrical wirings and fittings in 2003-04, the latest HSE figures have revealed, with construction accounting for 30% of all UK workplace fatalities.