Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy  Alok Sharma has expressed the Government's appreciation for the "invaluable contribution" the construction industry has made to the economy since the outset of the pandemic in March.

In an open letter he wrote,

"Since the outset of the pandemic in March, you have performed a vital role. UK manufacturing has shown great resilience in the way it has innovated and adapted, changing the way it operates on sites, finding more efficient ways of delivering its products and services, and collaborating effectively throughout."

He also reiterated the guidance for the sector in Tier 4

" I want to be clear that, as before,firms and tradespeople in the construction sector and its supply chain, including merchants, suppliers and product manufacturers, can continue to operate in Tier 4. I also want to re-iterate, that where it is essential to travel between tiers to get to your work or for the purposes of carrying out your work, you are able to do so."

To read the full letter click here

Useful Links

Site Operating Procedures Update – Version 6

The Government and devolved administrations safe working guidance

In England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/factories-plants-and-warehouses; in Wales https://gov.wales/manufacturing-coronavirus-guidance; in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-manufacturing-sector-guidance/; and in Northern Ireland: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-guide-making-workplaces-safer-and-priority-sector-list) 2 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/offices-and-contact-centres