Professional industry bodies in the devolved nations in writing to Government Ministers outlining collective concerns in the construction sector, and proposing pragmatic solutions that can support industry now, and post-pandemic.
RICS, CIOB, RIUS, RSAW and RSUA have highlighted that there are divergences emerging between the UK and devolved national Governments’ approaches to Covid-19 lockdown and social distancing in workplaces; particularly in relation to the construction sector that is facing either a complete closure of sites, or sites operating at a reduced capacity.
Both circumstances have led to a fall back in workloads since the lockdown measures came into force, and this was picked up in the RICS Construction and Infrastructure Market Survey Q1 2020.
Whilst all Government administrations have introduced welcome measures to support built environment professionals, it has become apparent that there are gaps that need addressing; not least parity in approach across the UK.
In writing to the construction ministers, or those with construction in their portfolio, in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the professional bodies have called for more Government support for construction; starting with the gradual reopening of non-essential construction sites within stringent parameters of health, safety and wellbeing adherence; national maintenance programmes whilst public buildings are not fully occupied, and exploration of a VAT repayment fund.
