Covid-19 Update: 15 April 2020

Introduction

This short briefing has been prepared on behalf of the UK construction sector to brief companies and individuals on the ongoing repercussions of the Covid-19 crisis for our sector.

Site Operating Procedures – update

The Public Health England (PHE) guidance on social distancing in the workplace during coronavirus (COVID-19), which includes sections on construction, tradespeople and working in people’s homes, and the use of private vehicles and car-pooling for travelling to work, have been incorporated into what is now industry-recognised guidance.

The key changes in version 3 include:

• Confirmation that the HSE is the enforcing authority for PHE guidelines;
• The need for sites to monitor the implementation of the procedures;
• Further details on who should not travel to work;
• Guidance for those who have no option but to share transport to work;
• Information on the hierarchy of controls which should be implemented to reduce the risk of transmission where social distancing of 2 metres cannot be achieved;
• Information on first aid and emergency service response.  

 The revised Site Operating Procedures can be found on the Construction Leadership Council’s website.

Recovery survey

We want to canvass the opinion of industry on what you feel the biggest issues will be following the end of the Coronavirus lockdown. Once the economy is turned back on again, some people fear that there may be a number of issues, that delay or at least hamper a quick return to productivity.  Please click on the following link to the survey. It will only take c2 mins to complete.

Navigating COVID-19: Bank loans and finance

The first episode in the second season of Navigating Covid-19 webinars from ACE will take place at 12pm on Thursday (16 April). In this free episode they will explore the different finance options that have recently been made available to businesses by the government. An expert TBC will join ACE chief executive Hannah Vickers. Sign up here.

Coronavirus business support hub

A new UK government Coronavirus Business Support Hub is now available bringing together key information for businesses including on funding and support, business closures, your responsibilities as an employer and managing your business during coronavirus. The hub also includes information for self-employed people and sole traders.

CITB Leadership and Management Funding

The new Leadership and Management Development Fund launched yesterday will ensure that construction businesses of all sizes can improve their leadership and management skills. Micro, small and medium-sized businesses can do so via the CITB Skills and Training Fund, which was recently refreshed and expanded to support sustainability and skill retention.

Larger CITB registered businesses - those with over 250 employees - can now apply via the LMDF. Companies can apply from £5k up to £100k, with funding available in stages for a year though CITB will review the COVID-19 situation and be flexible about start dates. 

Fund guidelines outline the learning outcomes permitted and the deadline for applications is 12 June - please visit this page to apply.

The Briefing has been prepared in collaboration between the industry’s leading trade and representative bodies: Association for Consultancy & Engineering, Builders Merchant Federation, Build UK, Chartered Institute of Building, Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Construction Industry Council, Construction Plant-hire Association, Construction Products Association, Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), Federation of Master Builders, National Federation of Builders, and Institution of Civil Engineers. 

We are grateful to Building, Construction Enquirer, Construction Manager, Construction News, Highways, Infrastructure Intelligence, and New Civil Engineer for support in distribution to the wider industry.