Re-opening construction sites gathers pace

Construction firms have continued to responded to the Government’s aspiration for re-opening construction with more than two thirds of sites now working. However, construction productivity levels are still low but edging upwards.

Build UK reported that this 73% of construction sites operated by its members are open in England and Wales, up from 69% last week. More than 80% of infrastructure and construction projects are running, with their members that include housing in their portfolios reporting that just over half of their housing sites (55%) are now open for business, compared to 46% last week.

The news was followed by Robert Jenrick,  Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, stating at the daily coronavirus briefing that the Government wanted construction work to go ahead where it is safe to do so.

Construction productivity on infrastructure and general sites is averaging 71%, up from 67% last week. Construction sites in London remain a challenge, although output has improved from 56% to 63% in the last week.

Construction operations in Scotland are still restricted to essential services only but the Scottish Government is considering easing its restriction on non-NHS sites re-opening.

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