CPA - UK Economic and Construction Impacts from COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

The Construction Products Association represents the UK's manufacturers and distributors of construction products and materials.

The CPA has been asked by a number of government departments, members, industry colleagues and media about the impact of the Coronavirus on our industry.  The CPA’s economics team is assessing the key issues for the UK economy and construction and a ‘live’ briefing paper is available to all CFA members through the members area of the CFA website.

This document gives valuable insight into the current understanding of the UK economy and the impact to both the Economy as a whole and specifically the construction industry.

An example of just some of the research being completed by CPA can be seen below.

"Construction
There is rising concern regarding workers on sites. The Construction Leadership Council has Site Operating Procedures but little evidence this is being adhered to, particularly on large sites. A lack of
social distancing and other safety measures may hasten government to severely restrict on site activity.

Following the social distancing restrictions from midnight 23 March, there remains confusion in theindustry as to what activity may occur. The Scottish First Minister stated on 23 March that ‘building sites should close’ and firms report that construction activity has slowed considerably in Scotland already The Mayor of London stated on 24 March that TfL and Crossrail have stopped construction activity except for basic maintenance and repairs. He also stated new work should not occur given that a significant proportion of workers will be travelling to work on crowded public transport. However, both Michael Gove and Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, have publicly stated that construction on site should continue ‘where it is safe to do so’.

Many house builders closed on 24 March. At this point Persimmon, Bellway, Taylor Wimpey, BDW (Barratt), Cala, Bovis and now Redrow and MJ Gleeson have closed sites or are preparing their sites to be closed. Persimmon stated it is commencing an orderly shutdown of its sites with only essential works taking place. Berkeley stated on 27 March that some sites remain open whilst other sites will be closing due to ‘increasingly considerable challenges in maintaining the delivery of materials to site’. Crest Nicholson have stated at present that sites remain open whilst sales suites and show homes have closed"