Coronavirus update for construction: 18 August

Companies may find their auditors including a note in their annual accounts referring to the impact of covid-19 on their performance and prospects. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales has reminded its members of their responsibility to prepare accounts that provide a ‘true and fair’ view, including referencing any uncertainty that may affect the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. However, such notes may affect a company’s credit rating and in turn its ability to access bonds or finance.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has published information relating to coronavirus disease reports made by employers under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. Since 10 April 2020, 7,971 notifications have been made to the HSE and Local Authorities, with 75% of them coming from the Health and Social Work sector.

Another week and another update to the government’s list of travel corridors! France, the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Aruba have now been removed, meaning passengers arriving in England from these countries must self-isolate for 14 days. There is a list of very specific roles that are exempt from self-isolating, including road hauliers; those carrying out essential emergency and maintenance work on water, sewerage, electrical or rail networks; and workers with specialist skills that ensure the continued production of goods. Those who live in the UK but travel overseas for work at least once a week are also exempt.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC), the Competence Steering Group and its working groups, and the Early Adopters have all been commended for their leadership in the latest report from the Independent Safety Steering Group (ISSG) submitted by Dame Judith Hackitt to the Secretary of State. Playing an ever-increasing role in supporting the industry, the CLC has recently established a number of Brexit working groups to ensure there is sufficient guidance and representation for construction in the run up to the end of the transition period.

The government will be launching new trader support services for businesses that move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring goods into Northern Ireland from outside the UK, to provide advice on changes to the movement of goods and support for completing customs declarations. Businesses can register their interest by completing this HMRC questionnaire.

From 10 October 2020, Companies House will re-start compulsory strike off for companies on the register if it has reasonable cause to believe that they are no longer carrying on business or in operation. For companies seeking to be voluntarily struck off, the process will restart on 10 September.

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.