Coronavirus update for construction: 31 July

 Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has been clear that maintaining cash flow through the industry is critical, and its statement on payment and contracts called on all businesses to continue to pay in accordance with agreed contractual terms.

Build UK has updated its payment performance table today, which indicates that the largest companies in the sector have taken note and are playing their part. The latest results published under the Duty to Report on Payment Practices and Performance show that standards of payment performance have been upheld during extremely challenging circumstances, with Build UK Contractor members maintaining an average of 36 days to pay invoices during the first half of the year. On average, they now pay 92% of their invoices within 60 days and 75% within terms.

In response to feedback, Build UK’s table has been expanded with more than 40 of the industry’s largest companies, including clients, housebuilders and contractors, to provide a more coherent picture of payment practices within construction than ever before.

Build UK and CITB have joined forces with STEM Ambassadors to showcase careers in construction to young people. Announced in Building earlier this week, the new partnership will help to recruit talent and support the CLC Roadmap to Recovery. STEM Construction and Built Environment Ambassadors volunteer their time and experience to inspire young people to join construction and further information on how you can get involved is available in our short film.

The self-isolation period for those who have symptoms of coronavirus or a positive test result has been extended from seven to 10 days, based on growing evidence that people with coronavirus may remain infectious for up to nine days following the onset of illness.

With employers having the discretion to open offices and workplaces from 1 August 2020, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is highlighting the risks associated with legionella. If your building has been closed or had reduced occupancy during coronavirus, water system stagnation can occur due to lack of use increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease. Build UK Trade Association member, the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), has produced guidance on managing this and other issues when reactivating buildings.

The CLC has issued a contracts and disputes survey to understand the nature and extent of commercial issues within the industry. The findings will inform a review and any updates to the CLC’s guidance and the deadline for responses is Friday 21 August.

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.