Opening up of construction sites gathers pace

Main contractors continue the opening up of sites as pressure grows to get the industry working again. The new follows the restart announced by leading housebuilders and more merchants opening.

Build UK has reported that its contractor members are continuing to reopen sites and reported this week that almost 70% of their sites are open in England and Wales.

The majority opening are construction (81%) and infrastructure (78%) sites. However, Build UK members that include housing in their portfolios confirm that less than half of their housing sites (46%) are open for business. Productivity on construction and infrastructure sites is averaging 67%, with London construction sites proving to be a particular challenge achieving just 56% output.

The increase in activity is leading to merchants and distributors reopening outlets. Travis Perkins, Britain’s largest builders’ merchant and distribution giant SIG revealed this week their plans to open up their networks as demand re-emerges.

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