CITB Levy

Guidance and advice…

Most companies operating within the construction industry will at some point have come across the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the CITB levy.  This levy has been the subject of much controversy due to the significant changes introduced in recent years.  This includes the CITB’s power to levy companies who were previously outside the scope of the levy and, as a result of the CITB’s approach to levy simplification many companies will now see an increase in their annual levy assessment.  Chartergates can guide you through these recent changes and advise you on the best course of action to help you minimise the impact of these changes on your business.

According to the CITB, employment agencies and other intermediaries also fall within the scope of the levy and can no longer offset labour only payments against their levy.  This will increase the cost to such businesses and it is therefore important to stay ahead of the curve.  Chartergates can provide you with compliant advice on the CITB levy specifically tailored for employment agencies and intermediaries.

Ensuring your levy is not excessive…

The levy only applies to employers who operate wholly or mainly within the construction industry.  Therefore, simply because you receive a levy assessment it does not necessarily mean you should have been levied or if you have more than one establishment it may be the case that not all of the establishments should be levied.  Chartergates can conduct a full review of your business, make a determination on whether you fall within the scope of the levy or not and challenge the CITB on your behalf where the levy assessment is inaccurate or excessive.

Chartergates can also challenge the CITB on your behalf if your levy assessment is excessive compared to previous years.  This includes a review of your business and the relevant levy return and assessment to determine what your levy amount should actually be.  If your levy assessment is higher than it should be Chartergates will then ensure the CITB issues a revised levy assessment which accurately reflects the correct levy due.

Representation…

As well as representing you with the CITB we will provide continuous support to you from the outset until the matter is resolved.  Chartergates can also attend meetings with the CITB on your behalf to resolve any dispute as efficiently as possible minimising disruption to your business.

In the event no resolution is achieved by challenging the CITB informally, Chartergates can make a claim to the Employment Tribunal on your behalf, represent you at the Tribunal and support you throughout the litigation.  We will do everything necessary to ensure that you are only levied correctly and accurately.

If you would like more information on our CITB services please contact us.  To ensure certainty from the outset we will provide all advice and services on a fixed fee basis.