Build UK Daily Update

Source – Build UK

The pace of change last week was relentless but by the end we had some much needed detail on the financial support offered by Government, including furloughed workers.

Over the weekend, Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, was questioned on the issue of individuals going to work and not feeling safe to do so. He was very clear that, where work cannot be undertaken from home, people should go to work and employers must follow Public Health England (PHE) guidance. Build UK on behalf of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has developed Site Operating Procedures specifically for construction sites to ensure they are compliant.

We are receiving positive feedback on sites moving to 24 hour shifts, revising programmes to minimise trades working alongside each other, and reconfiguring welfare areas to protect the workforce. However, Build UK Contractor members have been clear that no-one should be required to travel or work if the PHE guidance on social distancing cannot be met.

London remains a real challenge and we are specifically requesting that sites change their working hours to avoid putting pressure on public transport, particularly the tube network, during the peak hours of 05:45 ‐ 7:30 and 16:00 ‐ 17:30. If construction workers travel later in the morning and evening, they can protect themselves, critical workers and transport staff.

Read our latest statement which includes further information on the industry response.