On the 4^th January, the Prime Minister announced another national lockdown to control the spread of a new variant of Covid-19. While yet another lockdown is not want the country wanted to hear, the Government’s continuing acknowledgement of the construction sector and its vital contribution to UK’s economy in these unprecedented times is significant.

In an open letter, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy The RT Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP confirms: “It is vital that construction continues through these unsettling times and I want to reassure you that the Government values the crucial contribution your sector is making. Whether delivering on large or small construction sites, and in peoples’ homes across the country, in builders’ merchants, designing and project managing schemes or producing construction and mineral products, you are making a major contribution to the economic recovery following Covid-19.” Download the full letter here

The Construction Leadership Council Chair Andy Mitchell CBE has also written to the construction industry during this lockdown, reminding the sector and its supply chain, including builders’ merchants, suppliers and product manufacturers, that they can continue to operate during this national lockdown and the importance of working safely during these times:  

 “As an industry we have demonstrated we can control our operations so that the work we do can be done safely, in collective consistent compliance with the Site Operating Procedures and in accordance with Government direction. For the sake of our workforce, the general public around us, and the national economy, we have a huge responsibility to continue to get this right.”

Download Andy’s letter here, which includes links to a range of guidance relating to social distancing, use of PPE and face coverings, the safe operation of builders’ merchants, the latest version of the Site Operating Procedures and more.