“As the construction sector returns to work, senior trade bodies have developed and published a set of recommendations designed to get everything up and running as quickly – and safely – as possible”
Construction is one of the sectors now being encouraged to go back to work. That’s great news for the UK economy, and it is particularly good news for the timber sector, which is reliant upon demand from construction. Obviously, we still live in an environment where “safety first” is the mantra. But the Construction Leadership Council’s Covid-19 Task Force has done its best to develop a set of suggestions that keep workers safe while reinvigorating the sector. Amongst these recommendations are the following:
- Get industry back to work wherever it is safe to do so
- Maximise employment and retain key skills
- Ensure a pipeline of future workload for all parts of the sector
- Boost productivity to secure improved value
- Transform the industry through technology & digitalisation
The Construction Leadership Council joint chair, Andy Mitchell, released the following statement: “The unprecedented challenge of coronavirus calls for unprecedented solutions. I am delighted by the way that the industry has collaborated at pace to develop this plan, targeting those interventions that will help the industry get back on its feet as quickly as possible. We hope that everyone will take the opportunity to read the plan and consider the part you can play in its delivery.”
The Covid-19 Task Force was assembled in the early days of Britain’s coronavirus outbreak. It took immediate action to deal with situations such as the creation of Site Operating Procedures to safeguard workers prior to lockdown, and address shortages of product availability. With better days hopefully on the horizon, the task force’s current roadmap represents and ambitious – and highly useful – industry goal.
Speaking on behalf of the government, housing secretary, Rt. Hon. Robert Jenrick MP said: “Our commitment to get Britain building is central to the mission of this government, which is why last month I ensured home building can restart in a way that is safe. We are a pro-development government that wants to build houses of all types in all parts of the country, so that people have the homes that they need. I welcome the CLC’s Roadmap to Recovery and I will be continuing to work closely with the industry to ensure we’re backing the success of our construction sector.”
If your construction site is going back to work, Quercus is available to help with all your timber needs. Just call 0845 50 50 311 to find out how we can help.