The training board had previously faced heavy criticism for refusing to introduce a levy holiday for contractors during the coronavirus crisis.

CITB’s board met yesterday and gave final approval to suspend the issue of its 2020 levy bills in April, which would be usually due for payment by May.

It hopes the decision to suspend collection until August or later will provide immediate financial relief to construction employers.

Although the full 2020 bills will still be due at the end of the summer.

Sarah Beale, CITB chief executive, said: “Everyone in construction is facing extreme pressure at the moment and it’s right that we provide the financial relief we can to protect employers and ensure that the industry is as prepared as possible for the economic recovery that will come when the crisis lifts.”

“CITB is reviewing all of its work to respond to the rapidly changing skills needs of industry.

She added: “We are continuing to re-evaluate our services, funding and grants to adapt them to meet industry’s changing priority needs.”

The CITB said it would provide employers with further detail as soon as it could.

Ian Anfield, Managing Director of Hudson Contract said “Finally the CITB have bowed to pressure. It is a shame they didn’t have the foresight or leadership to do this off their own bat.

“Most construction companies only pay the levy because they are forced so now that threat is lifted they can redirect those funds to where they are really needed – employing their workers and apprentices.”