Build UK Update

Source: Build UK 

New Coronavirus Restrictions
The Prime Minister addressed the nation last night, exactly six months after announcing the first national lockdown, to explain the need for new restrictions in England to slow the rate of infection and stop a second wave of coronavirus.

There is a lot to take in following his statement to the House of Commons yesterday, including a return to the advice that people should work from home where they can, which is consistent with the position in Scotland and Wales. However, the message for construction is clear ‐ “in all professions where homeworking is not possible, such as construction or retail, people should continue to attend their workplaces” ‐ and there is no doubt that sites should remain open. Whilst we do need to review the long term implications for the sector, the priority right now is to ensure that our people are safe and sites can maintain the output they have worked so hard to regain.

The Site Operating Procedures should continue to be implemented and they are being reviewed to ensure they reflect the latest restrictions. We have already received a number of queries with regard to face coverings, following confirmation that their use will be increased in retail and indoor hospitality, and the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) statement on face coverings will also be reviewed.

Construction has shown over the last six months that it can deliver in the face of significant challenges and now is the time to dig deep and keep going. We would ask each and every one of you to play your part by ensuring the social distancing measures are in place on your sites and reassuring your workforce that their welfare is a priority, whilst reminding them that complying with the restrictions off‐site is vital to keeping sites operational over the coming months.