Why High-Quality Welfare Accommodation Is Essential As The Construction Sector Picks Up

The Market

There is some positive news for the construction and housebuilder sectors in the year ahead. Government departments are estimated to have underspent their capital budgets by around £4.9 billion during the last financial year, according to Glenigan*. Some of this underspend is expected will support construction activity in public funded areas such as health, education, and transport infrastructure.

For example, the Department for Education’s capital funding is set to grow and this will help to support a rise in school building projects, with double-digit growth forecast for 2024.  In addition, Government funding was made available in the Spending Review to address a shortage of secondary school places, especially in major cities, plus the Government is committed to rebuilding 500 schools over the next decade. As is widely known, there is also a large amount of remediation and rebuilding required where RAAC is present in school buildings.  In addition, the Government is set to continue to focus on meeting net zero commitments within its projects.

The next general election may have happened by the Autumn and must certainly be held by January 2025. The run-up to the election will see some public sector construction projects disrupted due to funding decisions being delayed, while post-election public sector investment programmes may come under review, as the new Government sets out its priorities.

Despite many projects being put on hold right now, analysts still predict growth in construction starts during 2024 and 2025 as the prospect of a strengthening UK economy is set to lift consumer and business confidence. A further strengthening in starts is forecast for 2025 as UK economic growth gathers momentum, supported by a rise in household spending and business investment.

Sustainability in your welfare unit

All our Oasis welfare units are designed to minimise environmental impact, enhance staff wellbeing and have a positive impact on the surrounding community. Our off-grid units are powered by proven hybrid and solar technology, using renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions, noise and fuel costs. Smart telemetry is installed in all welfare units to ensure optimal unit efficiency and limited noise disturbance, benefiting both staff and the local community.

With an average of 95.2% carbon savings for electrical power compared to equivalent diesel units, EcoLogic Solar units are suitable for all weather conditions and work environments. These welfare facilities also feature a 24/7 drying and changing room that operates silently overnight, providing convenience and comfort for workers.

We offer a range of layouts for our Oasis welfare units, with options available in 32ft or 24ft. All 32ft units have two separate toilets, making them suitable for large or diverse workforces.

Your complete site and office solution

In addition to static welfare units, our Oasis Welfare range offers the option to double-stack and increase office and meeting space with the unique EcoMax Hybrid and EcoMax Solar ranges. These self-contained units maximise welfare and improve office working facilities, and, with an ability to stack, take up minimal space in the compound.

The ground floor of an EcoMax unit includes the preferred welfare layout, which can include office and/or canteen facilities, a 24/7 drying room, and one or two toilets. The first floor provides additional office and/or meeting space, creating a positive work environment for staff and visitors.

Our EcoMax units are powered by low emission, low noise EcoLogic Hybrid and solar technology, supporting clients in meeting ESG sustainability and net zero targets.

Final thoughts…

Our Oasis units offer a self-contained, instant start welfare solution that meets the needs of contractors across the UK. These units are sustainable, powered by renewable energy and designed to minimise environmental impact.

By investing in high-quality welfare units, construction and housebuilding companies are demonstrating their commitment to meeting the needs of their workforce, enhancing their wellbeing, health and safety and creating a positive work environment on-site. This is vitally important as construction workers are in high demand and it is the work environment and facilities that can make a point of differentiation, helping to attract and retain workers.

As the construction and housebuilding sector continues to grow, high quality welfare units are set to become ever more important.

For more information call 01268 280500 or email sales@advante.co.uk

*source Glenigan Construction Industry Forecast 2024-2025.