Coronavirus Update 02.11.20
The Prime Minister has announced a four-week lockdown in England from this Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December.
The CFA’s key message for our sector is that construction, which includes contract flooring work, can continue in all four nations of the UK.
Sites are however advised to review their social distancing measures and remind all workers of the importance of complying with the Version 6 of the Site Operating Procedures whilst on site. In order to protect colleagues, they should also comply with the latest regulations, which require people to stay at home as far as possible and not mix with other households.
Build UK has commented that the fact that construction is permitted to continue is testament to the industry’s response to the pandemic so far. In order to keep sites open, it is important therefore to comply with the rules on social distancing and the wearing of masks.
Workers are permitted to travel for work and hotels can remain open to provide accommodation for workers. Those who have to find hotel accommodation in the course of their work should be aware that some hotels may close due to a reduction in demand.
Build UK has produced an authorisation letter template for employers in the event of workers being stopped on journeys to and from sites anywhere in the UK.
Within the devolved nations
Scotland now has five COVID protection levels in place, ranging from ‘Level 0 - Nearly Normal’ to ‘Level 4 - Lockdown’, and you can check the level for an area by entering the postcode. Construction Scotland has a document about working safely on-site during the pandemic.
Wales is under its own ‘firebreak’ lockdown until Monday 9 November 00:01am.
Northern Ireland has its own restrictions in place until Friday 13 November.
What to do if a worker develops symptoms
To help employers and work colleagues respond quickly and consistently, Build UK has published an easy to follow flowchart on the actions to take if a worker develops COVID- 19 symptoms, receives a positive test result, or has to self- isolate.
Furlough Scheme Extended
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended for one month to the end of November, with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500. Under the extended scheme, employers will only have to pay National Insurance and pension contributions, with the Government paying the full 80% of wages, and details of how to claim will be available shortly. For an employee to be eligible they need to have been on a payroll run before 23:59 on 30 October 2020.
Employers who were considering terminating contracts of employment now have the option of leaving the employee on furlough for the month of November.
Mortgage holidays will continue.
The Job Support Scheme, which was due to start on 1 November, has been postponed until the Job Retention Scheme ends.
Businesses required to close in England due to local or national restrictions will be eligible for grants of up to £3000.
The grant available under the Selfâ€Employed Income Support Scheme from 1 November 2020 until 31 January 2021 has already been doubled to 40% of average monthly trading profits, capped at £3,750. The level of the second grant covering 1 February until 30 April 2021 will be confirmed in due course.
Materials Shortages
Concern has been expressed about the possibility of materials shortages, as a result of the current situation. The CFA is setting up a new section on its LinkedIn forum where members can post requests for help in sourcing generic material requirements (e.g. underlay, gripper, or floor coverings), which hopefully will be of benefit to all. Please note this page should not be used for specific complaints or customer services issues. Communications regarding other issues, apart from seeking materials should be directed towards the appropriate manufacturer or distributor. The page may also continue to be used for sharing other help and best practice directly between members of the flooring industry.