Build UK Daily Update
Source – Build UK
It is anticipated that an updated version of the Site Operating Procedures will be issued shortly, which will reflect the latest Public Health England (PHE) guidance on Social distancing in the workplace during coronavirus (COVID‐19).
Build UK members are keen to see manufacturers, suppliers and builders merchants increase the supply of goods and materials to construction sites as they look to re‐open sites after the Easter break. Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma, has written an open letter to the manufacturing sector thanking all those that are at work and saying: “Manufacturing is a critical part of our economy and I would like to be clear that there is no restriction on manufacturing continuing under the current rules”.
With a collaborative approach already being taken by some, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has issued a statement calling for construction businesses to pay in accordance with agreed contractual terms. It is vital that all parties understand the implications of the current situation on their contracts and work together to find solutions. Build UK and Wedlake Bell LLP have updated the Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus, adding an appendix to show the corresponding sub‐contract clause numbers for both JCT and NEC standard forms of contract.
HMRC confirmed yesterday that the online claims portal for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme should be open by 20 April, with the first grant payments made to businesses by the end of the month. Whilst furloughed employees may not carry out any work for their employer, they may undertake training (as long as it does not generate income or provide services to the company) and there is a range of support being offered across the industry. If the employer requires the employee to undertake any training whilst furloughed, the employee must be paid at least the minimum wage, even if this is more than 80% of their wage that will be subsidised.