ISG, Bovis Homes and Barratt Developments are amongst the latest contractors to close down their construction sites to help ensure people are protected against Covid-19
The latest announcements come just after Galliard Homes announced it would close down all of its construction sites in London.
In a statement, Paul Cossell, CEO of ISG, said: “Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our people, our customers, supply chain partners and the people in the communities where we work.
“We are in unprecedented times and I have decided to take decisive action to help ensure people are protected against Covid-19.
“Government advice continues to shift in the countries where we operate. What we know is that social distancing is absolutely key to safety – when travelling to site, entering and leaving site and also within sites themselves.
“Looking at the global picture, I’ve decided that it is time for ISG to act ahead of government advice.”
ISG construction site measures include:
- Suspend activity across sites which cannot meet an enhanced risk profile test
- Inform affected sites of our decision and arrange for temporary site closure where required
- Work on plans to ensure that suspended sites have an action plan to be able to safely re-open
- Contact clients to inform them of our decision
- Work with the supply chain to ensure it has clarity on our position, the effect it has on work and initiate planning for future re-opening.
Cossell added: “We must act now and do so decisively to protect the welfare of people across the industry. I believe that by taking this decisive action we will keep our people, customers, supply chain and the general public safe. Nothing is more important.”
Bovis Homes
Bovis Homes tweeted: “Following the government’s statement yesterday we have commenced decommissioning activity at all of our sites. There will be teams going on-site in the short term for the essential work of making the sites safe and secure.
“For those customers who expect and wish to move in over the coming days, we will look to do the right thing and facilitate this if it is at all practical.
“During this period we will be rigorously reinforcing to our people and subcontractors the need to follow Government guidelines, especially those around hygiene and social distancing.
“We will be constantly reviewing this situation in line with the government’s position.”
Barratt Developments
Barratt Developments also tweeted: “We have taken the decision to temporarily close our 400 offices and sites across the country. We are in the process of doing this safely and securely, as quickly as possible.”
It is expected that many other contractors will join suit in the coming hours/days.
