Build UK Daily Update

Source - Build UK

As we come to the end of our seventh week in lockdown and head towards the bank holiday, it feels as if we are about to enter a new phase. Updated guidance on ‘Working Safely’ is expected from the Government any time now as it looks to restart the economy, and we understand the key issues of PPE and travelling to work will be addressed as part of this.

Build UK would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone that has provided feedback on the role we have played since the crisis hit. We have done our best to keep our members and the wider industry updated as quickly and efficiently as possible. Where we have been able to identify a solution, such as matching demand for materials, services or accommodation with suppliers, we have actioned it and the industry has responded accordingly; where we haven’t had the answers, we have set out what is being done to find them and your patience has been very much appreciated.

The way in which Build UK members have contributed, and the industry has pulled together, demonstrates that we are stronger than we thought and can achieve more than we imagined. We must not forget this as we look ahead to the next stage and some form of recovery. We will need to address many more issues to get the industry through this, and consistency across the supply chain will give confidence to our businesses, our people and our projects which will benefit everyone.

We are receiving excellent feedback on the re‐purposing of the Open Doors website to help construction workers working away from home find local accommodation. There are now more than 300 accommodation providers offering over 16,000 beds across the UK and Ireland. With more sites reopening, the system can be used by anyone in the construction supply chain looking to find accommodation when working away from home.

We also continue to list sites looking for accommodation and, if your site requires accommodation and none is shown locally, please send Build UK the site postcode as we can add providers where there is demand.

Read our latest statement which contains an update on the support available for apprenticeships.