The Scottish government has ordered all work on construction sites to stop unless its for essential projects.

The news comes after the Scottish government published new guidance for the construction industry yesterday. The document has made it clear that work on construction projects should cease unless it is supporting crucial work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Projects that are deemed essential can only continue operating if it can comply with the social distancing rules during the COVID-19 outbreak. Any site unable to meet those requirements should close, the guidance says.

Essential projects include:

• those to create or repurpose facilities which will be used directly in COVID-19 related activities
• projects to create or repurpose facilities which will be used to accommodate key workers, or free up space in facilities to be used directly in COVID-19 related activities
• projects which are considered essential public services
• the repair and maintenance of critical infrastructure

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We recognise that this is an extremely difficult time for businesses of all kinds, but the Scottish Government’s priority is saving lives and fighting COVID-19.

“To this end, all construction sites should close unless they are essential to the health and welfare of the country during this crisis. I want to make clear our thanks to the construction workers who are continuing to work on these essential projects.

“This guidance offers clear and comprehensive advice on how the industry should respond in these unprecedented and difficult times. I am grateful to the STUC, Unite the Union and Construction Scotland for their input.

“In this public health emergency it is vital that all businesses act responsibly and align fully with the social distancing measures introduced to protect the nation’s heath, well-being and economic future.”