ROAD TO RECOVERY

How does the scaffolding industry recover from the seismic disruption caused by the Coronavirus pandemic? Robin James, NASC Managing Director investigates

❖ To do so there must be an acceptance that Covid-19 has changed our world permanently. Lockdown has had such an impact on us all that we can’t simply go back to pre-Coronavirus times.

To recover and grow, we must adapt and embrace a new way of working.

It’s worth reminding ourselves of the chaotic journey the industry has been on for the past four months.

When the lockdown was first announced and the UK economy was brought to an immediate halt, the construction sector was told to continue… but only if it was safe to do so.

What followed was weeks of lockdown limbo, with scaffolding industry businesses unsure whether they should shut up shop – in line with government advice at the time – or continue to operate – in line with government advice at the time!

The picture was further muddied by contractual complications, with main contractors threatening, either directly or indirectly, to penalise any subcontractors for not attending sites, doubts about the furlough scheme, cash flow headaches, equipment hire issues and countless other problems.

For its part, the NASC did its best to provide updated guidance and assistance to its members and the scaffolding industry as a whole.

This saw us establish a dedicated Covid-19 information page on the NASC website that featured a range of advisory topics – updated on a daily basis and sometimes many times on the same day – providing information on working on site, the Job Retention Scheme, loan schemes, grants, sick pay and much more. A daily Coronavirus news bulletin was then issued to members, keeping them informed of the latest changes and updates.

As the Government’s stance on how to work safely during the pandemic became clearer, the NASC published its Scaffolding Operations During the Covid-19 Pandemic guidance and associated toolbox talk, both of which were made available for free download.

There was also a great deal of working going on behind the scenes. The NASC worked closely with partners such as Build UK and other trade bodies to push the Government for greater clarity and support.

Additionally, the NASC kept in close contact with its members and canvassed their views to see in which areas we could provide further assistance.

It’s been a rollercoaster ride – and there are difficult bumps ahead – but it seems that some things are now almost as they were before Coronavirus arrived on our shores. On a practical level some semblance of normality has returned. As the Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed, business has started to pick up.

Sites have reopened and scaffolding operatives have returned to work, albeit with the need to adhere to new Coronavirus working practices and procedures.

Scaffolding training has also recommenced, thanks largely to the efforts of training providers in adapting their facilities and course provision to meet strict social distancing requirements.

But on a deeper level, the pandemic has fundamentally altered how we operate. Throughout the Covid-19 crisis we have seen how NASC members of all shapes and sizes have risen to meet the multitude of challenges they’ve faced and this will continue.

This includes an increased focus on cash flow prediction and financial modelling, with businesses becoming even more aware of their key costs and business structure. With the introduction of reverse charge VAT looming we’re sure this will carry on long after the Covid-19 crisis is behind us.

The way we’re working has also changed significantly. Employers have been examining employment contracts and making value changes, aiming to reward the most efficient/productive workers not just experience or training.

The Government has also attempted to boost productivity by extending site opening hours with staggered starting and finishing times to help with transport overcrowding, site arrival checks and overcrowded welfare areas (toilets / lockers / canteens / lifts).

In the longer term, this may benefit those seeking flexible working hours (parents, those with caring responsibilities etc...) because workers may have the opportunity to choose hours that better suit their circumstances.

In turn this may expand the available workforce, encouraging more women into the industry. More available workers leading to a higher quality workforce.

Additionally, more office workers have been forced to work from home, and may be encouraged to continue to do so in the future. More people working from home will help with transport issues and allow offices to reduce the size of their facilities.

This has largely been possible due to a greater use of technology – with people forced to develop new IT skills quickly. Fewer face to face meetings meaning less time taken in travel.

Geographical location is now less important, since, as long as there is good internet / wi fi / phone coverage, all people are equally able to attend meetings and be part of the discussion.

The pandemic has forced the scaffolding industry to adapt to survive.

There’s no going back now. And while Covid-19 continues to affect countless businesses, the message is that we can build back better.

This includes seeking better working practices – such as putting greater emphasis on recycling and the sourcing of sustainable materials.

There is undoubtedly a long and uncertain road ahead for us all but through accepting that ‘normality’ is neither achievable nor desirable, we can guarantee that the future is something to look forward to.