Covid-19 Update: 3 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 coronavirus for our sector.

Updated Site Operating Procedures

There has been significant feedback on the updated Site Operating Procedures - Version 2. Whilst this feedback is reviewed the Construction Leadership Council has re-issued Version 1, which is the document the industry should be complying with and is available here.

Local advice and support for Business

Growth hubs are local public/private sector partnerships backed by the government, led and governed by Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). 

The network of 38 Growth Hubs across England provide a free to use, impartial and local single point of contact to all businesses, so that they can access the right advice and support when they need it. 

The hubs can advise businesses on local and national business support - including schemes put in place to help businesses through the current Covid 19 situation - and help businesses build their resilience. 

Builders Merchants

The Builders Merchants Federation has prepared details of whether its member companies are open, operating a reduced service or closed. To view which BMF builders merchant member companies are open or shut during the COVID-19 crisis click here.

Covid-19 Webinars

ACE has announced a new online webinar series to help its members and the wider industry through the coronavirus crisis. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask virtual questions to the panel of experts on specific announcements, such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. 

The webinars are open to anyone with an interest in the topics covered.

People in a Pandemic (07.04.20, 12.00pm)

Exploring the HR and people issues raised by the crisis such as remote working, staff morale and more. Panellists TBA soon.

Communicating in a Crisis (09.04.20, 1.30pm)

With special guest Andy Walker, editor of Infrastructure Intelligence, we will explore the steps you need to take to communicate effectively externally, internally and with stakeholders and clients. Stuart Young, BES joins us to help answer any questions.

Previous sessions can be watched here. 

New industry survey: 30 March

As part of our work to assess the impact of Covid-19 on the construction sector, we have been carrying out a series of surveys. Thank you to all firms that have taken part in the surveys. The latest version can be found here. While the questions are similar to previous versions, please do fill in this version as it allows us to assess changes in the industry over time.

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.