Coronavirus update for construction: 7 August

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Roadmap to Recovery is being delivered at pace, with the government confirming that the £2bn Green Homes Grant, supporting energy-saving home improvements, will go live at the end of September. Companies and tradespeople installing measures under the scheme must be registered with either TrustMark or the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Later this month, homeowners across England will be able to access advice and support on improving the energy efficiency of their homes via the simple energy advice (SEA) service, with funding of up to £5,000 available (£10,000 for households on low income).

The government has now published its Planning for the Future white paper, setting out its proposals to reform the planning system in England to become much more user-friendly and adaptable to the changing needs of the economy. The consultation, which is open for 12 weeks, includes a streamlined application process, a new national levy and homes to be ‘zero carbon ready’, and will close on Thursday 29 October 2020.

Under new legislation which came into force on 31 July 2020, furloughed employees who are made redundant will now receive statutory redundancy and notice pay, along with any other entitlements, based on their normal wage.

The CLC’s recently launched Construction Talent Retention Scheme is a free online portal matching employers that have job opportunities with individuals looking for employment in the industry. There is a growing pool of candidates and, if you are looking to recruit, please register and add your vacancies, including any apprenticeships. This is a great way for the sector to help itself and keep hold of the people and skills it has invested in.

Construction sites are reminded that delivery drivers must have access to suitable toilet and handwashing facilities and should be made aware of the social distancing arrangements in place. The legal responsibility to provide access to these facilities lies with whoever controls the premises that drivers are visiting.

Companies House has reopened its telephone contact line on 0303 123 4500 and enquiries can also be emailed to enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk.

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.