Metals industry to be hit by new Euro codes

New European codes will cost the construction industry hundreds of millions of pounds, said Metals Forum chairman Dr Derek Tordoff.
"The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not agreed to invest any significant money to help the industry understand and adapt to them," Tordoff said.
He said those that will be hit by the shift from British to European standards include general and specialist contractors, engineers and architects.
His comments come after the Metals Forum said it would press the European Commission to simplify regulations.
"Any sector would welcome simplification or deregulation. It's a minefield," he said.
Tordoff said regulations on construction products were unclear. "It's easy to see that a steel beam is a product, but there are grey areas. A steel frame, for example, we think is a product, but we're not sure."
Other examples of unclear legislation include emissions of volatile organic compounds, where there is overlapping of reporting requirements. Tordoff said companies are unsure who to report to. "It's regulation for the sake of it."
The Metals Forum will take the industry's views to the Department of Trade & Industry in the next few weeks. Tordoff said: "Companies just don't have time to do all this, that's why we have to try to step in and help."