Highways England has moved to daily payment runs in order to boost cash flow for the highways sector throughout the coronavirus crisis.
In his latest circular, procurement director Malcolm Dare said the move would 'increase the speed of payment to suppliers for correctly invoiced and completed work'.
'I would also encourage suppliers to use Project Bank Accounts, and to also encourage all their supply chains to use them, in order to support quick payments to all suppliers,' he added.
Mr Dare also highlighted the Government's support for continuing construction activity where it can be undertaken in accordance with Public Health England and industry guidance.
He revealed that in a recent call between the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and ministers from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) the approach that Highways England and the supply chain has taken 'was acknowledged as a good example of supporting the industry and the country'.
In an update on the #TransportHeroes Campaign, Mr Dare urged the sector to show support on social media.
'We want to help raise awareness with people outside of construction about the importance of the industry, its support for essential public services, and why it needs to continue to operate,' he said.
'During the last week this campaign has helped explain why we are still operating and you can see our recent posts and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Please can you share / retweet any #TransportHeroes posts.'
There has also been a third instalment of the CLC's operating guidance for the construction industry.
The key changes in version three include:
- Confirmation that the Health and Safety Executive is the enforcing authority for Public Health England guidelines
- The need for sites to monitor the implementation of the procedures
- Further details on who should not travel to work
- Guidance for those who have no option but to share transport to work
- Information on the hierarchy of controls which should be implemented to reduce the risk of transmission where social distancing of two metres cannot be achieved
- Information on first aid and emergency service response.
