Build UK Daily Update
Source - Build UK
Today’s update is slightly longer than usual as it also contains the latest information on contracts and tender opportunities from Build UK partner, Builders’ Conference.
The Prime Minister’s speech on Friday provided an update on the easing of lockdown restrictions in England following a rise in the number of coronavirus cases:
- Whilst there are local restrictions on household contact in certain areas, there was no change to the advice for employers having the discretion to open offices and workplaces from 1 August
- People who are clinically extremely vulnerable are no longer advised to shield and can return to work as long as their workplace is COVIDâ€secure and they can maintain social distancing, although they are advised to carry on working from home if they can
- From 8 August, face coverings will become mandatory in more indoor places, including cinemas, museums and places of worship.
The Site Operating Procedures state that Government guidance (which includes any Local Authority requirements) must be followed, and in areas of localised lockdowns it is expected that sites will assess the local conditions and respond accordingly. This may include reverting to the social distancing practices in place prior to the easing of the national lockdown, such as not opening canteens and rigorously enforcing hygiene and cleaning regimes.
Businesses may be notified of potential or confirmed cases of COVIDâ€19 and the Government has provided guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers and published an action card for construction detailing the steps to follow when informed of more than one confirmed case.
The Scottish Government has not set a date for the reâ€opening of nonâ€essential offices, and working from home where feasible remains the default position. The earliest a date will be announced is the next review of the Route Map on 10 September.
Secretary of State for Housing Robert Jenrick announced major changes to the planning system in an article for The Telegraph last weekend. The reforms will introduce simpler and faster processes to deliver the homes and places needed in areas designated for growth or renewal, and further information is expected to be published later this week.
This is welcome news for the industry, as the latest information from Builders' Conference underlines the continuing impact of coronavirus on contracts and tender opportunities. Preâ€coronavirus between July 2019 and March 2020, the number of contracts awarded each month averaged 587. In July 2020, there were 430 contracts awarded, which was a slight improvement on the 415 contracts awarded in June, but 27% below the average and 30% less than in July 2019.
Click here for more data and insight from Builders’ Conference for July.