The
construction industry needs a green light from the Government to ensure that
sites can be re-opened safely, according to the Federation of Master Builders
(FMB) in its response to new construction data which recorded the fastest
decline in output since the survey began 23 years ago.
Support for
the industry to recover in the long-term will also be essential.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Ninety-six per cent of local
builders have stopped work on site since the coronavirus hit the UK. They’ve
been unable to access materials, including PPE, and it has been challenging to
maintain social distancing rules on site that keep themselves and the public
safe. 40% of clients have requested work to stop.
“To ensure a
safe return to work, and fire up construction, the public needs a clear, and
joined-up, statement from Government that indoor and outdoor construction is
safe. Builders need guaranteed access to PPE, and we look to the Government to
coordinate this, so that limited PPE is not taken away from the health front
line.
“In the
longer-term, construction needs a clear plan for recovery - something the
construction sector is working towards delivering. This must include a national
retrofit strategy that harnesses capacity in the SME sector to upgrade the
energy efficiency of people’s homes.
“It needs to
tackle poor payment practises in the supply chain to support growth. And it
must boost local planning departments to help local house builders bring
forward new homes more quickly.”
