CORONAVIRUS INDUSTRY IMPACT

The coronavirus represents the greatest crisis Britain has suffered since the Second World War. But what are the long-term effects on both the scaffolding and construction industries?

The government, while taking a host of other essential measures, has no current plans to close construction sites. Their decision continues to garner criticism from some medical professionals, politicians and members of the public. The list includes the outgoing Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

ARRIVAL

The Coronavirus crisis arrived at a time when the UK construction industry had begun to recover from a nine-month lull. Given the economic picture, it was soon clear Boris Johnson was keen to keep building on this. And of course, some work is essential in the light of health and safety. There are still fears, however, that the all important supply chain could yet place many contracts on hold.

RESULTS OF THE CRISIS

In terms of scaffolders it’s estimated 80% of employees will be unable to work during the expected peak of the outbreak. At the time of writing, 65% percent of the UK’s construction work by value has closed down as a result of the coronavirus. This of course has a knock-on effect in terms of scaffolding and associated services. The Federation of Master Builders chief executive Brian Berry has said: “Most FMB members have already taken the lead and ceased the majority of their work. It is almost impossible to follow Public Health England’s social distancing advice on many sites, and it would therefore be safer to close them.”

DEFENDING THE STANCE

In a Daily Telegraph column, construction minister Nadhim Zahawi sprung to the defence of those contractors choosing to keep their sites open. He wrote: “There will always be some work that cannot be done from home, whether it is construction or packing boxes in an Amazon warehouse – but we still need houses built and for deliveries to be made.”

“Should the scientific view change, and this work becomes “too high a risk”, the government will update its advice.”

Recent evidence has shown the COVID-19 virus is already present within the following industry after EDF revealed one of its workers on Hinkley Point C, where two nuclear reactors are being built, had contracted coronavirus. In fact, employers are not required to inform staff if there is a suspected case of coronavirus in their workplace. Numerous concerns have also been raised that employers are not fully listening to workers’ concerns about social distancing.

SAFE GUIDELINES

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) quickly offered up a set of guidelines for sites to follow to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This included social distancing during meetings and a ban on visitors deemed to be non-essential. They also said if sites are unable to meet these instructions, they should shut down.

Interlink Scaffolding based in the North East have stated on their website: “In line with Government and construction industry guidance, ISL are continuing work on sites for as long as reasonably practical, but taking measures to minimise possible infection.”

BCM Scaffolding Services based in London have said: “The well-being of our customers and staff is our highest priority and we would like to reassure you that we are adhering to the advice provided by the UK Government, NHS and the World Health Organisation.

“All our employees are being kept fully informed of current requirements and are undertaking strict health and safety measures to ensure the highest possible standards are maintained throughout all aspects of our daily work.”

If workers suddenly display symptoms of coronavirus, involving a high temperature and a persistent cough, they should self-isolate for 14 days. On-site work must not take place at all if it is nonessential, requiring close contact or skin-to-skin contact between employees.

HIGHLIGHTED CONCERNS

Business secretary, Alok Sharma, met with senior ministers as March came to a close to discuss the concerns of the construction and scaffolding industries. In a paper produced by BEIS, ministers and representatives from devolved administrations asked everyone to agree an “initial list of critical construction works needing to continue, even if further restrictions are imposed”.

The paper revealed if sites were to close across the UK there would be a “significant impact on the entire supply chain, resulting in financial difficulties for firms within days or weeks.”

TELLING SURVEY

A survey carried out by The Construction Leadership Council demonstrated 46% of companies in the sector will struggle to stay viable as a business if the market remains stagnant for the next three months.

GOVERNMENT REQUEST

Those leading the industry are asking for all retentions by governing bodies to be released. They are are also calling for the suspension of both PAYE and the Construction Industry Scheme CIS, for at least two months to help safeguard the industry.