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Construction industry divided on staying open
JUST three weeks since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a period of effective ‘lockdown’, closing many businesses across the nation, many in the construction industry have been bitterly torn about what to do for the best.
The lockdown meant that many non- essential retailers were obliged to close their doors, from pubs to hairdressers and beauty salons. However, notable exceptions were made for retail businesses that provide essential services such as car garages, supermarkets and veterinary surgeries.
At first it was not obvious how far these exemptions extended. Broadly speaking, the construction industry was classed as ‘an essential service’ with permission to continue trading from the Government, but just which industries should fall under that umbrella?
Finally, at the end of March. Government ministers confirmed that hardware shops and equipment, plant and tool hire retail businesses are indeed exempt from closure during the COVID-19 crisis.
Graham Arundell, CEO at Hire Association Europe, took to LinkedIn to report his joy
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at the news: “There is still a great need to provide equipment for maintenance and support of NHS and critical infrastructure. However, some members working to maintain support of the national Covid-19 effort were getting unwarranted criticism in the media for continuation of operations.
“Consequently, we took this up with government, who recognised the vital part of the hire sector, and the designated premises list was altered to include equipment, plant and tool hire.”
He went on to stay that remaining open would be a choice for each business rather than a decision to be made by a trade body on the industry’s behalf.
"Those businesses that continue to trade will prioritise the safety and wellbeing of their staff and customers by following guidance from Public Health England in relation to safeguarding and social distancing," Mr Arundell added.
However, not everyone greeted the news so warmly. Without an order from the Government to close, individual construction businesses receive considerably less financial support, meaning that for some, the decision of whether to stay in business was driven by financial necessity.
Back in late March, The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) added its voice to those calling for the Government to close
Consequently, we took this up with government, who recognised the vital part of the hire sector, and the designated premises list was altered to include equipment, plant and tool hire.”
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