NEWS INDUSTRY


THE Construction Leadership Council has stepped forward to produce a guide, titled Site Operating Procedures, for builders who are continuing essential work while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread.


Many workers have been left confused as current events have moved faster than our ability to prepare for them.


In a statement posted to their website, Andy Mitchell co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council said of the launch of Site Operating Procedures:


"We are in exceptional circumstances and are 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 recommendations, the


'80% of builders left in dark by banks on coronavirus loan', says FMB


THE Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is calling on the Chancellor to address the blockages in the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), as small builders across the country are struggling to keep their businesses afloat.


It follows an FMB survey of 579 members that found: • Half (50%) of FMB members who have applied for the Coronavirus Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) have found the process either ‘somewhat’ or ‘very difficult’;


• So far, 10% of FMB members who have applied for a loan have been rejected with the vast majority (84%) still waiting to hear back from their bank;


• 29% of SME house builders believe they are not able to apply for a loan through the scheme;


• Local builders are being asked for a personal guarantee on application, or being forced to take out an overdraft with high interest.


Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “While we understand the immense pressure banks are under at the moment, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme needs to be fast-tracked and the criteria clarified as soon as possible to stop small construction firms going to the wall."


“There also seems to be some confusion as to who is covered by the scheme. SME


house builders are crying out for financial support, but many are being turned away by lenders. The Government should work with Homes England and the devolved administrations to help find a way to keep SME house builders afloat in this time, ensuring that they are ready to resume building high quality homes after the coronavirus outbreak.”


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The Construction Leadership Council releases Site Operating Procedures during COVID-19


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."


You can view and download the document HERE.

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