Proposals needed to sustain construction industry and accelerate recovery of the economy

The Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council has called for clear support and recognition from the Government for the essential work the industry is doing and the role it is playing in supporting public services and keeping the economy functioning.

Andy Mitchell has written a letter to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlining the work already being undertaken to respond to the impact of the coronavirus and what needs to be done to safeguard businesses.

He said: “The construction industry is already working together to respond to the impact of the coronavirus, and to ensure that we can both sustain the industry over the coming weeks and months, as well as to enable it to play a full part in the economic recovery once we have beaten the virus.”

For the past two weeks, Mr Mitchell has been holding a daily virtual meeting with the CEOs of the 11 leading federations and representative bodies from across the construction industry.

This has led to the publishing and adoption of the following documents:

In the letter, he writes: “For understandable reasons, we are seeing the closure of key construction product and material manufacturers, in parallel with the closure of electrical, plumbing and general builders’ merchants, and there is the very real prospect of many of the essential works not being able to be done, or unduly delayed, by difficulties in securing products and materials.

“I ask therefore that you and your Ministers give very clear and visible encouragement that the production of building materials continues, if at all possible, and that electrical, plumbing and general builders’ merchants remain open so that essential maintenance and construction works can continue – and that the workers doing this are recognised, supported and appreciated.”

The letter also asks the Prime Minister to implement a range of measures which would make a huge difference to many companies within the industry:

The full letter can be viewed here:

Updated site operating procedures details have also been released. Click here.

Photo credit: Construction Leadership Council

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