Sue Robb of 4Children talks to Julie Laughton and Alison Britton from the Department for Education about the role of childminders in delivering the 30 hours free entitlement.
Government pledges public sector boost for UK steel
The government has announced that British steel companies will be able to compete on a level playing field for contracts across the public sector.
The new measures come as around £300 billion is due to be spent on major UK infrastructure projects over the next five years. The initiatives will support steel suppliers’ ability to compete with international suppliers for major government and public sector contracts.
Reforms include directing that public sector projects that involve the supply of steel should consider responsible sourcing, the training suppliers given to their workforce, carbon footprint, protecting the health and safety of staff and the social integration of disadvantaged workers.
Contractors working for the public sector will also be required to advertise their requirements for steel so that UK firms can compete. The announcement arrives as Prime Minister David Cameron prepares to meet with Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales, to update him on the government’s ongoing discussions with Tata and its work to support a sales process.
The government will also establish a list of approved steel suppliers, which meet stringent criteria. The list will be used by the government and its contractors to help ensure a level playing field for those suppliers who meet the criteria.
Matt Hancock, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, said: “We are going further than ever before to support British steel. Taxpayers spend billions of pounds buying steel for public projects. Last year we changed the rules across all central government procurement to ensure buyers take into account the true value of British steel - including local impact and jobs.
“The industry is responding positively to this so I want to go further. Now we will apply this guidance across the public sector so that, from operating theatres to new buildings, public sector buyers will need to consider social and economic benefits, alongside value for money. When public bodies buy steel they must take into account the true value of buying British.”
Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I am determined to make sure we do all we can to secure a sustainable future for UK steel and find a viable solution that supports the workers and wider community.
“By changing the procurement rules on these major infrastructure projects we are backing the future of UK steel - opening up significant opportunities for UK suppliers and allowing them to compete more effectively with international companies.”
Latest News
04/10/2024 - 11:39
The newly appointed minister for intergovernmental relations, Pat McFadden has made his first official visit to Northern Ireland.
04/10/2024 - 11:27
Responding to the Goverment's consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Local Government Association (LGA) has said th
04/10/2024 - 11:23
The projects to benefit from funding support the aims of the Child Poverty Strategy which outlines how the government will work with partners and organisations to tackle the issue.
04/10/2024 - 11:08
The Environment Agency has installed QR signage at Par beach in Cornwall and Combe Martin beach in Devon, encouraging people to have a conversation
04/10/2024 - 10:35
Sarah Young has been announced as Hackney Council’s new cabinet member for climate, environment and transport.
Company Focus
Baseel Group is a global leader in cybersecurity and IT services, committed to safeguarding businesses in an increasingly digital world. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in the UK, Baseel has rapidly expanded its operations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and is soon to establish a presence in the Americas. With a focus on innovation, resilience, and client-centric solutions, Baseel is at the forefront of the industry, ensuring that its clients remain secure against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Event Diary
London Build is the UK's largest and leading construction show. Officially awarded the Best Trade Show in the UK. London Build is co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
EMEX returns to London’s ExCeL on 20 & 21 November 2024. Promising all visitors who come through the doors solutions, innovation and implementation, EMEX prides itself on giving practical answers to challenging issues and it is this ethos that sets it apart from other events in the energy management space.
Open Banking Expo UK & Europe introduces two co-located shows andexpands its exhibition hall for 2024!
Supplier Profiles
Building Forensics ltd added IAQ following the increased public interest in Indoor Air Quality po
At GeoEnergy Design, we're on a mission to disrupt the traditional way heating and cooling ha
Latest Features
With a few months under their belts to set some plans in motion, we take a look at Labour's spending commitments and what have already allocated.
Labour’s manifesto claimed to be fully costed, fully funded and built on a rock of fiscal responsibility, committing to a range of public spending.
Hannah Shimko, managing director of the Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA), sets out why flexibility and personalisation are key elements of employee benefits schemes in the public sector.
