Build UK Daily Update
Source - Build UK
Build UK joined the latest industry conference call with Minister for Business and Industry Nadhim Zahawi yesterday, during which he thanked construction for rising to the challenge of implementing social distancing on site in accordance with the Site Operating Procedures.
As we prepare to enter week seven of the lockdown, there are a number of issues for the industry to resolve, including appropriate use of PPE on site, keeping face to face contact to 15 minutes or less where possible, and minimising the use of public transport, particularly in London where the service is drastically reduced at present. Build UK is working on each of these issues to provide further information to support the whole supply chain in taking a consistent approach, with the aim of instilling the workforce with the confidence to return to site.
To help contractors working away from home find local accommodation, Build UK has temporarily repurposed its Open Doors website. The website is live but still a work in progress and accommodation will continue to be added. We have teamed up with trade body UK Hospitality, which has confirmed that during the lockdown its members are able to provide accommodation for workers unable to return home.
Anyone looking for a bed for the night can now use the Open Doors website to find accommodation providers who have space for construction workers. If your site requires accommodation and none is shown locally, please send Build UK the site postcode or location as we can add providers where there is demand.
BEIS is hosting a webinar next Tuesday 5 May at 11:00am for small businesses to find out more about the financial support available, including grants, loans, tax relief and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. You will need to register, and questions can be submitted via email to sed@beis.gov.uk until close of play today.