Construction is vital during new national lockdown says new business secretary
Newly appointed Kwasi Kwarteng, secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, has written an open letter to the construction sector regarding operating in the new national lockdown. In it he states that construction is a vital part of the economy.
Kwai Kwarteng replaced Alok Sharma, who has been appointed to lead the UK’s preparations for COP 26, last week. He outlined in an open letter how it is vital that construction continues through these unsettling times and that the Government values the crucial contribution construction is making.
Mr Kwarteng restated the Government position, which is that firms and tradespeople in the construction sector and its supply chain, including merchants, suppliers and product manufacturers, should continue to operate during this national lockdown.
Mr Kwarteng said: “I would also like to make it clear that where it is essential to travel or to stay in accommodation, whether to get to your work or for the purposes of carrying out your work, those in the industry are able to do so.”
The open letter continued: “Whether delivering on large or small construction sites, and in peoples’ homes across the country, in builders’ merchants, designing and project managing schemes or producing construction nd mineral products, you are making a majorcontribution to the economic recovery following Covid-19.
The Construction Leadership Council has re-stated the Site Operating Procedures(SOP) and Branch Operating Procedures, which reflect the latest guidance from Government to operate safely. The Government and devolved administrations continue to update their safe working guidance.
