Construction sector working together during crisis

17/03/2020 | DOMINIC BROWNE

Two of the largest construction sector bodies have released a joint statement and initial action plan in response to COVID-19, suggesting it is likely that 'business critical' construction projects will be closed soon.

Build UK and the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) said they would also be issuing further research on the impact to construction projects, as it warned that the impact of the virus on its sector could be 'catastrophic and unavoidable'.

The joint statement read: 'Whilst the priority last week was to keep business critical construction projects open and operational wherever possible, that is likely to change in the weeks ahead.

'If the Government decides to put the country into 'lockdown' and restrict the movement of British citizens, decisions will be taken out of the hands of individual companies and sites may have to close. The impact on the industry's supply chain, consisting of multiple layers of businesses, many of them of SME's with a significant amount of self-employed workers, will be catastrophic and unavoidable.'

In the next few days, the two groups will be:

a) Providing information on Force Majeure and other contractual clauses for the whole supply chain.

b) Calling on the public sector to provide clarity on each of its construction contracts.

  • In particular on the contractual position regarding delays as a result of the Coronavirus Covid-19.

c) Talking to private sector clients urging them to take a similar stance.

d) Asking Government to:

  • Identify safety critical work on the infrastructure network that is essential and must be continued and to confirm arrangements and prompt payment for this work.
  • Confirm support available to employers to retain essential skills

e) Asking members to:

  • Set up clear communication channels to all suppliers on their contracts and projects and provide regular updates
  • Ensure payments to their supply chain are up to date
  • Clarify the position over suspension of any works
  • Identify if any activities can continue remotely or be brought forward
  • Ensure projects are ready to recommence work as soon as possible

f) Working with CITB to maintain continuity for all apprentices

The statement added that member organisations were already:

  1. Increasing welfare and hygiene facilities and protecting the workforce.
  2. Liaising with clients on contingency arrangements.
  3. Reviewing contractual arrangements to understand options now and in the future.
  4. Liaising with funders and banks to secure sufficient credit.
  5. Contacting HMRC on 0800 0159 559 to discuss arrangements for delaying payment of taxes.
  6. Setting up project specific communication networks with their supply chains.
  7. Reviewing safety critical elements of their projects.
  8. Reviewing programmes.
  9. Ensuring remote access is in place.
  10. Offering those with the ability to work from home to do so.
  11. Protecting business critical functions such as payroll and accounts departments.
  12. Splitting teams to avoid everyone becoming ill at the same time.
  13. Reducing contact between leadership teams.
  14. Cancelling or moving meetings and overseas travel to conference calls or online meetings. 

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Transport Planner

£47,532 - £50,574
Royal Greenwich is a borough synonymous with first class modern services Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recruiter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Technician - Highway Inspector

Grade 8 £28,797 - £30,708 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Within the Highways Maintenance Team we are looking for an enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bulky Operative

£25,584.00 - £27,269.00, Grade 5, 37 hours, Permanent.
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Bulky Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Street Scene Protection Officer - Braintree District Council

£30000 - £34000 per annum
Street Scene Protection Officer - Braintree District CouncilBraintree District CouncilPermanent, Full Time£30,313 to £34,612 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Senior Integrated Transport Officer

£34,324 - £37,529
Are you an experienced transport planning professional ready to influence strategic policy and drive real change Matlock, Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Roadworker Trainee LGV Driver (3 Posts)

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay award pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking major highway, bridge and related construction and reconstruction Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW