Ad
Thursday, October 9, 2025

UK on lockdown but construction sites stay open

ADVERTISEMENT

Boris Johnson has announced a nationwide lockdown to try and slow down the spread of Coronavirus, but construction sites are to stay open…for now.

Johnson addressed the nation last night ordering people to stay at home and told nonessential shop owners to immediately close their stores.

He said people will only be allowed to leave their homes for a handful of reasons including “traveling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.”

However, the Prime Minister didn’t make it clear for the millions of construction workers who are unable to work at home. A total confusion meltdown ensued amongst the industry last night. With many government ministers giving conflicting advice for construction.

One social media user said: “It says you have to social distance at work but how can ya do that if your on-site, we work literally right next to each other?”

In a bid to give clarity to the situation The Construction Leadership Council and Build UK have this morning briefed the industry. They have stated, “There has been no specific instruction to shut construction sites.”

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is meeting this morning; however, it is not a regulatory or enforcement body with the power to instruct sites to close.

CLC Co-Chair Andy Mitchell says: “We are in exceptional circumstances, and doing our utmost to keep construction sites operational wherever it is practical and safe to do so. Whilst the guidance from Public Health England may change in future, for the time being construction sites of any size that are operating during the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic need to ensure they are protecting their workforce and minimising the risk of spread of infection.

“To implement the Government’s social distancing recommendation the Construction Leadership Council has now published Site Operating Procedures. I would strongly recommend that these procedures are implemented by every operational construction site, with the aim of us having a standard approach across the industry that all firms and workers can adopt.

“It is also vital that the health and safety requirements of any construction activity must not be compromised at this time. If an activity cannot be undertaken safely due to a lack of suitably qualified personnel being available, or social distancing being implemented, it should not take place. We are aware that emergency services are also under great pressure and may not be in a position to respond as quickly as usual.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular Categories

Latest news

The magazine

Issue 27 | Past issues >>

Popular

ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

The international scaffolding competition ScaffChamp 2025 has officially begun,...

Construction starts slump as housing confidence falters

The UK construction industry is facing renewed decline, according...

Ethiopia church scaffolding collapse kills at least 30

At least 30 people have died and more than...

Storm Amy set to hit UK with severe winds and rain

The UK is bracing for Storm Amy, the first...

National Scaffolding Week 2025 launches to celebrate industry’s people and skills

National Scaffolding Week 2025 has officially launched, shining a...

Related articles

Construction starts slump as housing confidence falters

The UK construction industry is facing renewed decline, according to the latest Glenigan Construction Index. The report, which reviews project starts in the three months leading up to the end of September 2025, shows...
- Advertisements -

Latest topics

PERI UP system supports cladding remediation at Hilton Hotel

The Hilton Hotel in Kingston upon Thames is undergoing...

Midland Scaffolding staff go the distance in charity challenge for Poppy

Midland Scaffolding Services (MSS) has raised an impressive £20,000...

AT-PAC names new UK MD as ScaffEx25 showcases national ambitions

After unveiling a wave of new systems at Bauma...

ScaffEx25: An Industry Comes of Age in Manchester

Two days in September that showcased not just where...
- Advertisement -