Covid-19 Update: 29 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.

Coronavirus testing

The government has extended the criteria under which people in England can receive testing for Coronavirus to include those who cannot work from home but are showing symptoms. 

This widening will now mean that construction workers that show symptoms would be able to get tested. Details of how to apply for testing can be found here.

CIS tax consultation: postponement

HMRC has postponed its current consultation on potential abuse of the Construction Industry Scheme tax system. The consultation had been due to close on 28 May but has now been held open until 28 August to allow businesses affected by the current crisis more time to respond.

Webinar: Financial support for small businesses during coronavirus

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has arranged a webinar at 11am on Monday 4 May to explain how small business can access coronavirus business support measures. The webinar will cover:

• Eligibility for small business grants;
• Applying for a loan;
• Tax;
• Claiming for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions during the webinar.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Survey

A new survey has been developed by the Construction Coronavirus Task Force to help understand how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is being used by industry. Please take five minutes to fill in the survey here.

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, Home Builders Federation, 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.