The newly appointed business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng has written an open letter to the construction industry praising “the crucial contribution” the sector is making
In the letter, Kwarteng writes: “As the new business secretary, I would like to take this opportunity to restate the government position, which is that firms and tradespeople in the construction sector and its supply chain, including merchants, suppliers and product manufacturers, should continue to operate during this national lockdown.
“I would also like to make it clear that where it is essential to travel or to stay in accommodation, whether to get to your work or for the purposes of carrying out your work, those in the industry are able to do so.
“It is vital that construction continues through these unsettling times and I want to reassure you that the government values the crucial contribution your sector is making. Whether delivering on large or small conshousebutruction sites, and in peoples’ homes across the country, in builders’ merchants, designing and project managing schemes or producing construction and mineral products, you are making a major contribution to the economic recovery following Covid-19.
“To help ensure that it is safe for you to operate whilst carrying out your work, the Construction Leadership Council has published the Site Operating Procedures (SOP) and Branch Operating Procedures, which reflect the latest guidance from Government.
“The government and devolved administrations continue to update their safe working guidance which can be found on GOV.UK.
“My ministerial team and I are in regular contact with industry leaders about the risks, issues and challenges you face.
“Thank you again to everyone operating in the UK construction sector. You are making a hugely valued and critical contribution to our country.”
