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Construction bosses say they're staying shut

Construction bosses say they're staying shut

Tuesday 14 April 2020

Construction bosses say they're staying shut

Tuesday 14 April 2020


Despite construction being one of the worst affected sectors, industry bosses are saying there shouldn't be any rush to reopen sites during the corona virus pandemic.

With thousands of workers across various industries currently unable to do their jobs, a number of businesses have asked the States for financial support.

That includes numerous construction firms, including some of the most recognisable names in the business.

Many are represented by the Guernsey Building Trades Employers Association, which has said its members are keeping all of their sites shut for another week at least, as the lockdown continues.

Some smaller firms and sole traders are known to have asked politicians to lift the ban on construction, which has not been listed as an essential employer, except for in emergencies such as water or gas leaks or urgent maintenance work.

Despite some firms wanting a return to work, to enable their staff to earn money during the lockdown, the GBTEA has said its members are supportive of the lockdown and won't breach it.

Above: Wheeler Developments and other construction firms have backed the lockdown. 

In a statement issued to all members at the end of last week, the GBTEA said: 

"Further to yesterday’s States of Guernsey’s briefing, as an association we believe we must continue to support the shutdown if the Director of Public Health thinks it is necessary. 

"We know it is having an adverse effect on our members and local construction, so we need to be prepared and able to return to work as soon as it is safe to do so

"Any return to work may/will initially need to be phased/partial so’s to ensure that social distancing/hygiene procedures can be ensured.

"In the event, members will need to conduct a full site coronavirus risk assessment of construction activities prior to starting work.

"With that in mind, your council are working on some template documents that hopefully will assist those who need them, and these will be sent in the next few days."

The current lockdown measures are due to be reviewed later this week, with them either being extended beyond Saturday 18, or lifted.

A partial relaxation of some of the rules is also a possibility.

Jersey's government has relaxed its lockdown rules to allow some construction work to continue, providing social distancing and hygeine guidance can be followed. 

You can see Jersey's guidelines HERE. 

 

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