Actuate UK supports the industry call for acceleration of rules on relaxing requirements for COVID19 self-isolation for double-vaccinated workers, currently due to come into effect in England on 16th August.
We acknowledge the Government efforts to put in place an interim process for companies to request an exception for employees needed to support critical elements of national infrastructure. Engineering services are essential for supporting national infrastructure and, in principle, can apply, and in recent weeks they have been experiencing difficulties with personnel availability due to self-isolation requirements, even after negative tests. Moreover, they are part of the emergency services - for example lift engineers attending breakdowns to release trapped passengers.
However, there is no guarantee that the exception will apply to building services or that the responses will be delivered in a timely manner. Bringing forward the changes to requirements for self-isolation will allow businesses to safely deliver essential services to healthcare, transport, energy, construction and utilities.
Engineering services deliver inspection and routine maintenance to ensure continued safe use of equipment such as lifts and escalators, refrigeration, air condition, electrical cabling, appliances in public and domestic settings. They need to be kept running safely and reliably.
Actuate UK members and the Engineering & Building Services Skills Alliance (EBSSA) welcomes the publication of the Construction Jobs Plan as an important step towards building the skilled workforce needed to deliver the UK’s growth, housing, infrastructure and clean energy ambitions. The plan recognizes the importance and integral part that the Engineering and Building Services sector play in realising these ambitions.
Engineering Services Alliance, Actuate UK, has joined as an official industry partner for the UK’s only HVAC-R event dedicated to advancing the efficiency of commercial, industrial and large-scale residential buildings. Taking place on 25–26 November 2026 at Excel London.
Actuate UK InstallerSHOW2026 Partnership. InstallerSHOW 2026 isn’t just another exhibition; it’s a truly transformative event for the installation, trades and built environment sectors. If you’re an installer, builder, carpenter, electrician, decorator or business owner connected to any aspect of installation or the built environment, InstallerSHOW 2026 promises to be the most practical, innovative and rewarding edition yet.