Introduction
About the ECITB
The ECITB is a statutory body which acts on behalf of the engineering construction industry in assessing and collecting a training levy from all employers who operate engineering construction establishments. The collection of the training levy allows the ECITB to focus on helping employers to attract, develop and qualify the people needed to meet work demands and create a sustainable and competitive workforce.
To enable the ECITB to provide for the training needs of the engineering construction industry, under the Industrial Training Act, all ‘establishments’ operated by employers which are wholly or mainly engaged in engineering construction activities are registered with the ECITB and annually assessed for industrial training levy.
Employers who pay the training levy but choose not to become directly involved in training are still helping maintain the industry’s training and recruitment levels, as well as ensuring a safe and competent workforce.
Legislation
Three pieces of legislation underpin and govern the operations of the ECITB:-
- The Industrial Training Act 1982 which sets out the purposes and powers of Industrial Training Boards [The Act].
- The Industrial Training (Engineering Construction Board) Order 1991 [the Board Order] which defines the activities of the engineering construction industry.
- The Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order [the Levy Order]. This is passed periodically and defines the rates of training levy to be applied and authorises the ECITB to raise levies.
The ECITB is also required to collect information relating to the industry’s workforce to enable it to address skills needs and to meet other governmental requirements.
What the training levy supports
The levy supports the engineering construction industry in a number of ways. It:-
- Ensures that employers who train and qualify their people can be supported by grants, such as apprentice grants.
- Shares the cost of training so that those who don't regularly train subsidise those who do, to drive up standards in the industry overall.
- Ensures that specialist trades get the training provision they need.
- Supports employers taking on new entrants across Great Britain.
- Supports high profile campaigns to improve the image of the engineering construction industry.
- Ensures that investment in skills and training is maintained during the peaks and troughs of industry output to help minimise skills gaps and shortages.
ECITB services and grants
All employers operating establishments on the ECITB's Register of Leviable Establishments can use ECITB services and are eligible to claim grants, even those who do not pay a levy. However, employers who have not submitted their annual Statutory Manpower and Payroll Returns by the deadline date or whose levy payments are overdue may have services or grant payments withheld.
Statutory Manpower and Payroll Return
Each year the ECITB requires employers to complete a Statutory Manpower and Payroll Return relating to its leviable establishment(s). The Secretary of State has approved the ECITB's right to obtain this information and, if necessary, to audit the supporting records. The information declared in the Return enables the ECITB to assess whether or not training levy is payable.
Employers will receive the Statutory Manpower and Payroll Return for completion in April. The form must be completed and returned to the ECITB by 30 June. If the Return is not received by this date, the ECITB may withhold services until the Return is received.
Employers who are exempt from paying the training levy because their emoluments and labour-only payments fall below the exemption levels in place are still required to complete the Return and can take advantage of the services that the ECITB provides.
It should be noted that failure to provide the requested information is a crimimal offence. Any director, secretary, manager or other officer of a company who is responsible for the failure to submit the information may be personally liable in criminal proceedings.
All information declared in the Statutory Manpower and Payroll Return is kept confidential and will only be disclosed if there is a legal requirement to do so.