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Coronavirus Update – Implementing the Site Operating Procedures
Following the publication of industry‐agreed Site Operating Procedures earlier this week, a number of Build UK Contractor members have paused their construction projects to review how the workforce can travel and work safely in the current climate. Others have already made the decision to stop work until further notice.
Our members are assessing the activities on each of their sites to ensure that any construction work undertaken is capable of complying with the Site Operating Procedures, produced specifically in response to the risks created by Coronavirus. This is likely to involve a combination of reduced numbers of operatives, reconfigured welfare facilities, revised site programmes and other measures that will enable the social distancing requirements to be achieved.
Whilst this will result in a significant reduction in output, it will allow work to continue safely in accordance with the Government's request for construction to carry on where it can. Certain construction and maintenance activities are essential to keep our transport, energy, communication and healthcare systems working for critical workers and these will be prioritised. The Government has also confirmed that repairs, maintenance and emergency work in people's homes can continue in its updated guidance on Staying at home and away from others (social distancing).
We recognise that transport to and from places of work remains a significant challenge. In order to protect the workforce, sites in central London and other major city centres may be severely restricted in their operations whilst services are reduced and social distancing is difficult to achieve.
The negative publicity around construction in recent days has been extremely difficult for individuals who are simply doing their best in extreme circumstances. No‐one will be required to travel or work if the social distancing requirements cannot be met and members will be working closely with their supply chains during this time.
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Further Information
The situation continues to develop rapidly and businesses should make sure they are following the most up‐to‐date Government guidance. For the latest information as soon as it becomes available, please follow Build UK on Twitter and LinkedIn.
If you have any construction‐specific queries, please contact Build UK. We cannot guarantee to respond to every message; however, if we are aware of sector‐specific issues we have the opportunity to address them collectively.
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