Coronavirus update for construction: 12 June

The Scottish Government has confirmed that the construction industry can move to phase 2 of the construction re-start plan, known as the ‘soft start’, which allows a slow build-up of the workforce on construction sites and in domestic properties where physical distancing can be maintained. Comprehensive guidance for the construction sector on a safe return and restart has been published which clearly states that, if an activity cannot be undertaken safely, it should not take place.

Build UK has published an executive summary of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Roadmap to Recovery to give members and the wider industry an overview of the new strategy for the sector. It details the three key phases of ‘restart, reset and reinvent’ and the key outcomes the sector is looking to achieve.

You can find out more about how the industry will be implementing the Roadmap by catching up on the Building webinar which took place earlier this week. Featuring Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol alongside fellow CLC members, Andy Mitchell (Co-Chair) and Fergus Harradence (BEIS Deputy Director for Construction), the webinar was attended by over 560 guests and explored a range of issues, including apprenticeships, technology and innovation, and Brexit.

From next Monday (15 June) face coverings will be mandatory on public transport in England to help reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus when social distancing is not always possible. A face covering is a simple cloth that covers your nose and mouth, and the government has published guidance on how to wear and make a cloth face covering. Anyone using public transport who does not wear a face covering could receive a fine.

Wherever possible, people should continue to work from home and avoid public transport, and the government has published safer travel guidance for passengers. Transport for London (TfL) is encouraging passengers who must travel to consider walking or cycling as part of their journey, or getting off a stop or two early to reduce numbers on Tubes and buses.

Next Monday will also see Thames Clippers resuming services for passengers on a temporary timetable. Services will run between 6:00am and 9:00pm on weekdays and between 9:30am and 7:30pm on weekends, with park and ride available from the O2 for £8 per day for Thames Clippers customers. All passengers will be required to maintain social distancing, wear a face covering and pay by contactless, and the onboard café will reopen for takeaway service only.

Businesses should continue to follow the most up-to-date government guidance and for the latest updates please follow Build UK on Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any construction-specific queries or feedback on what is happening within the industry, please contact Build UK.