Covid-19 Can Construction Continue?

Since the UK Prime Minister announced a compulsory adjustment to working procedures on Monday 23rd March, to reduce the spread of coronavirus, many business sectors have been able to mobilise home working for their staff. Something which is unfortunately impossible for those working on construction sites.

Over a week on, the Construction industry seems to be reacting with contrasting responses, differing from business to business.

Yesterday, Alok Sharma MP and Secretary of State for Business, wrote an open letter to the sector* reassuring companies that those travelling to construction sites “can continue to do so”. He goes on to advise though that latest Site Operating Procedures should be observed, as published by the Construction Leadership Council**.

The Procedures explain how to continue to safely operate sites, including travel advice, distancing measures and cleaning standards.

Whilst many contractors and developers remain unsure of which projects to push on with, official guidelines are, for now at least, stating that construction may proceed with caution…

Naismiths will continue to monitor official reports and update our peers accordingly if and when anything should change.

 

Please use the following links to download your free copy of MP Alok Sharma’s letter;

*Secretary of State Letter to UK Construction Industry