Tuesday, 10 December 2013
Movember 2013 Winner
After a hairy month of growing, shaping and a fair bit of itching, we find ourselves at the end of another brilliant Movember. Well done to all of you that worked hard to change the face of men's health, but there's only so many iPad Airs we can afford to dish out so it's time to announce the winner...
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
CSCS Test in Other Languages
The CSCS Health, Safety and Environment test is only available in English, but there is a voice-over option available the following languages:
Saturday, 23 November 2013
How to get a Replacement CSCS Card
Monday, 11 November 2013
One Thing You Must do in a Job Interview
Turn up!!
Just kidding! But that would be a good start! Actually it's how you end the interview that this vital tip comes into play.
Just kidding! But that would be a good start! Actually it's how you end the interview that this vital tip comes into play.
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
UK Construction PMI - October 2013
UK construction activity grew at its fastest pace since September 2007 in October, amid rising confidence in property market and fuelling optimism over the country’s economic outlook.
Last month’s PMI increased to 59.4 from 58.9 in September, where economists had predicted no change. Any figure greater than 50 indicates expansion. The construction PMI has now been above that level for six months in a row.
Last month’s PMI increased to 59.4 from 58.9 in September, where economists had predicted no change. Any figure greater than 50 indicates expansion. The construction PMI has now been above that level for six months in a row.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Movember 2013
Same rules apply as last year - join the team here, shave off all the fluff on November 1st and then sit back and enjoy the artwork that begins to grace your face.
At the end of the month, a team of highly skilled Mofessionals in the Construct office will select one lucky winner to receive a brand new iPad Air - based not only on the monster growing on their face, but the amount of money they've managed to raise due to it.
Thursday, 3 October 2013
UK Construction PMI - September 2013
The UK construction sector activity fell marginally in September to 58.9 from 59.1 in August, where economists had expected a rise to 59.2.
Well above the 50 mark, construction activity saw healthy growth across all three sub-sectors last month. with the residential sector seeing the sharpest rise in nearly a decade, in spite of recent concerns of a new housing market bubble.
Well above the 50 mark, construction activity saw healthy growth across all three sub-sectors last month. with the residential sector seeing the sharpest rise in nearly a decade, in spite of recent concerns of a new housing market bubble.
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Changes to UK Immigration Rules - October 2013
Here's an outline of these changes:
Thursday, 26 September 2013
National Minimum Wage to Increase 2013
As of October 1st 2013 the National Minimum Wage rates will rise for all workers and apprentices, including a 12p per hour increase for adult workers.
The National Minimum Wage is the minimum pay rate per hour that workers in the UK are entitled to. This rate depends on the age of the worker and if they are an apprentice.
Thursday, 12 September 2013
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
UK Construction PMI - August 2013
The U.K.'s construction sector expanded at its fastest pace in August since September 2007, with a PMI of 59.1, up from 57 in July.
Underpinned by steep expansions of both output and new orders this is a clear sign that the UK's economic recovery is gathering pace.
Saturday, 31 August 2013
Weird and Wacky Hangover Cures
Friday, 16 August 2013
Friday, 9 August 2013
UK Construction PMI - July 2013
The UK’s construction PMI jumped up from 51.0 to 57.0 last month, its highest level in over 3 years.
Driven primarily by a surge in residential activity, the figure was far exceeded economists’ forecasts, with sudden shift leaving suppliers struggling to keep up with the demand. To give and indication of this, Construct Recruitment saw the demand for temporary carpenters more than double from the first week of June until the last week of July.
Driven primarily by a surge in residential activity, the figure was far exceeded economists’ forecasts, with sudden shift leaving suppliers struggling to keep up with the demand. To give and indication of this, Construct Recruitment saw the demand for temporary carpenters more than double from the first week of June until the last week of July.
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
How to get your UK National Insurance (NI) Number
Aussie / Kiwis that are planning on working in the UK, listen up! The HMRC have made a couple of changes to the process of the getting a National Insurance (NI) number which means you don't need to go in for an interview anymore.
I called them up directly to get the facts straight and these are the steps:
I called them up directly to get the facts straight and these are the steps:
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
The Top 10 Reasons People Hate Their Job
"How's work?" "It's alright."
Ever heard (or said) that? That usually translates to "work sucks, but it's money"! You might also have come across "I hate my job", "I hate my boss" or "I hate the company" - not everyone bothers with the niceties!
According to a recent survey by caterer.com, nearly 70% of people are completely miserable at work and 1 in 2 think about quitting their jobs on a daily basis. Here are the top 10 reasons why people hate their job:
Ever heard (or said) that? That usually translates to "work sucks, but it's money"! You might also have come across "I hate my job", "I hate my boss" or "I hate the company" - not everyone bothers with the niceties!
According to a recent survey by caterer.com, nearly 70% of people are completely miserable at work and 1 in 2 think about quitting their jobs on a daily basis. Here are the top 10 reasons why people hate their job:
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Djokovic vs Murray - Head to Head
This pair have only played each other once on grass - that was at the London 2012 Olympics, where Murray beat the world #1.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
UK Construction PMI - June 2013
The UK's construction sector grew for a second straight month in June, easing concerns over the country’s economic outlook.
Economists said the positive data raised the chances of stronger second-quarter growth than the 0.3% in the first three months of the year.
The construction PMI rose to 51.0 in June, the highest level since May 2012 and up from 50.8 in May.
Economists said the positive data raised the chances of stronger second-quarter growth than the 0.3% in the first three months of the year.
The construction PMI rose to 51.0 in June, the highest level since May 2012 and up from 50.8 in May.
Monday, 24 June 2013
Wimbledon 2013 - Top 7 Male Tennis Players
Nadal's wedgies, Murray's muttering and Federer's overworked trophy polisher - that's right, it's Wimbledon time!
Here are the 7 top seeded male tennis players going into Wimbledon 2013:
Here are the 7 top seeded male tennis players going into Wimbledon 2013:
Wimbledon 2013 - Top 7 Female Tennis Players
Time to get those ear plugs out because here come the girls!
Here are the 7 top seeded female tennis players going into Wimbledon 2013:
Here are the 7 top seeded female tennis players going into Wimbledon 2013:
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Freelance Builder Pay Trends - June 2013
This month's average pay for freelance construction Trades and Labour in London and the South East
- Significant drop in pay rates for Roofers
- Increase in pay rates for Demolition workers and Shop-fitters
Thursday, 6 June 2013
UK Construction PMI - May 2013
For the first time since October 2012, the construction PMI rose above the 50-level that divides contraction and growth, rising to 50.8 from 49.4 in April.
Friday, 31 May 2013
Race For Life 2013
6 months later... it's time for Construct's ladies to show us what they're made of!
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Adam and Eve | = Believe |
Apples and Pears | = Stairs |
Ayrton (Senna) | = Tenner (£10 note) |
Bacon (and eggs) | = Legs |
Barnet (Fair) | = Hair |
Bees (and Honey) | = Money |
Berk (...ley Hunt) | = C*** |
Bird and Time | = Time |
Boat (Race) | = Face |
Borassic (Lint) | = Skint |
Bristol (Cities) | = T****** |
Brown Bread | = Dead |
Bubble (Bath) | = Laugh |
Bull and Cow | = Row (argument) |
Butcher's (Hook) | = Look |
China (Plate) | = Mate |
Cobbler's (Awls) | = Balls |
(Cream) Crackered | = Knackered (tired) |
Crust (of Bread) | = Head |
Current Bun | = Sun (newspaper) |
Daisy Roots | = Boots |
Deep Sea Diver | = Fiver (£5 note) |
Desmond (Tutu) | = 2:2 (degree) |
Dickie (Bird) | = Word |
Dog and Bone | = Phone |
Donkey's (Ears) | = Years |
Elephant's (Trunk) | = Drunk |
Frog and Toad | = Road |
Ginger (Beer) | = Queer |
Gregory (Peck) | = Neck |
Half Inch | = Pinch (steal) |
Hampstead (Heath) | = Teeth |
Hampton (Wick) | = Prick / D*** |
Hank Marvin | = Starving |
(J) Arthur (Rank) | = W*** |
Khyber (Pass) | = Arse |
(La-di-da) | = Cigar |
Loaf (of Bread) | = Head |
(Mince Pies) | = Eyes |
(Mutt 'n' Jeff) | = Deaf |
North and South | = Mouth |
Jack (Jones) | = Alone |
Pat (Malone) | = Alone |
Tod (Sloan) | = Alone |
Orsen (Horse and Cart) | = Fart |
Oxford Scholar | = Dollar |
Pen and Ink | = Stink |
Gone Pete Tong | = Gone wrong |
Plates (of Meat) | = Feet |
Porkies (Pork Pies) | = Lies |
Rabbit (and Pork) | = Talk |
Raspberry (Tart) | = Fart |
Richard (the Third) | = Turd |
Rosie (Lee) | = Tea |
Ruby (Murray) | = Curry |
Scarper (Scarpa Flow) | = Go |
Sexton (Blake) | = Fake |
Sunday (Roast) | = Post |
Syrup (of Figs) | = Wig |
'Taters (in the Mould) | = Cold |
Tea Leaf | = Thief |
Titfer (Tit-for-Tat) | = Hat |
Trouble and Strife | = Wife |
Uncle Bert | = Shirt |
Weasel (and Stoat) | = Coat |
Whistle and Flute | = Suit |
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Construction CV Template
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
UK Construction PMI - April 2013
Hopes for a rebound in the UK construction industry were given a boost earlier this week when the PMI figures revealed that the sector almost returned to growth in April.
The index rose to 49.4 in April, up from 47.2 in March, now only marginally below the 50 level that separates growth from contraction.
The index rose to 49.4 in April, up from 47.2 in March, now only marginally below the 50 level that separates growth from contraction.
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Converting your Aus / NZ Driving License for the UK
This is a question we get asked quite often, so we've thrown together a quick post to help you through it!
Please note that these instructions only apply if you're driving a car or motorbike - If you're looking to to drive a lorry, bus or minibus you have to sit the UK theory and practical test.
Please note that these instructions only apply if you're driving a car or motorbike - If you're looking to to drive a lorry, bus or minibus you have to sit the UK theory and practical test.
Monday, 8 April 2013
Will the UK Escape the Triple Dip?
The construction PMI has remained below the 50 no-change point for the past five months.
The manufacturing PMI has mirrored this contraction in the past couple of months.
Has the service sector demonstrated enough growth to save us from a triple dip recession?
The manufacturing PMI has mirrored this contraction in the past couple of months.
Has the service sector demonstrated enough growth to save us from a triple dip recession?
Thursday, 4 April 2013
UK Construction PMI - March 2013
The construction PMI rose to 47.2 in March, up from February’s 46.8 – indicating a contraction in the industry for the fifth month running.
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Budget 2013 Summary
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
St Patrick's Day - Fun Facts about Ireland
We've put together a few fun facts about Ireland just in time for St. Patrick's Day. Before you say anything... yes a lot of them are about Guinness, but isn't that the point of St. Paddy's?
Monday, 4 March 2013
UK Construction PMI - February 2013
Last month, the PMI for the UK construction sector fell to its lowest level since October 2009, despite surprising growth in the residential sector.
The index dropped to 46.8, staying below the break-even point of 50 for the fourth consecutive month.
The index dropped to 46.8, staying below the break-even point of 50 for the fourth consecutive month.
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Interview Questions on Failure
Ever faced that tricky interview question asking for "an example of when you've failed at something"?
Do you say you can't think of one or give a pretty lame example because you're obviously a perfect employee? Or do you desperately try throw in that time old cliché of "I wouldn't call it a failure because I learnt something from it".
In most cases the later is exactly what your interviewer is looking for - it's not a test of your intelligence, it's a test of your attitude. Really, they're looking to see if you have the potential as of one of these people...
Do you say you can't think of one or give a pretty lame example because you're obviously a perfect employee? Or do you desperately try throw in that time old cliché of "I wouldn't call it a failure because I learnt something from it".
In most cases the later is exactly what your interviewer is looking for - it's not a test of your intelligence, it's a test of your attitude. Really, they're looking to see if you have the potential as of one of these people...
Friday, 22 February 2013
Beer beats Water after Working Out
But those days are over thanks to some ingenious scientists at Granada University who have discovered that beer rehydrates the body better than water or Gatorade after a workout.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
UK Construction PMI - January 2013
January’s PMI remained unchanged from last month’s six month low of 48.7, falling just shy of experts’ forecasts of a climb to 49.1.
Although business activity fell for a third month, primarily due to weak demand and a lack of new projects, the pace of decline in new orders eased noticeably and business outlook improved from a four year low.
Although business activity fell for a third month, primarily due to weak demand and a lack of new projects, the pace of decline in new orders eased noticeably and business outlook improved from a four year low.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Waitangi Day in London
February 6th is a date all Kiwis will know as a significant day in the history of NZ - Waitangi Day - And even though the national holiday doesn't quite reach us here in London – we've definitely got our own spin on it!
Monday, 21 January 2013
Australia Day 2013 in London
Kangaroo steaks, Aussie beers, Jumbucks pies and all the Bundy and cokes you can manage. No, this isn't just a typical Friday night out for an Aussie! We’re talking about a night of mass destruction – 'Straya Day!!
We've done a bit of research to find you some of the best Australia Day parties going on in London this weekend. So here it goes...
Monday, 7 January 2013
UK Construction PMI - December 2012
December’s PMI dropped to a lower than expected 48.7, down from 49.3 in November.
The latest figures raise some alarm bells as not only do they show the fastest rate of contraction since June 2012, contraction in new orders was the fastest since April 2009!
The latest figures raise some alarm bells as not only do they show the fastest rate of contraction since June 2012, contraction in new orders was the fastest since April 2009!
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Job Interview Tips - Common Non-Verbal Mistakes
Even if you've got through all those stages, you should think of the face-to-face interview as starting all over again. The first impression you give makes a huge impact with research showing that 33% of interviewers know if they would hire a person within the first 90 seconds! That's just enough time to walk into the room, greet your interviewers and shake hands.
Your most noticeable attributes here are non-verbal - the things you may not even be aware of doing. Things like what you're wearing, how you stand and the way you shake hands convey a lot to those around you.
This video highlights the most common non-verbal mistakes candidates make during job interviews:
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