Construction zones drawn up

Monday 01 March 2021

Concerns about the restrictions facing construction workers during Stage 1 have led to new plans being drawn up to allow more staff on-site.

From Monday 1 March, construction firms can create ‘zones’ where a maximum of ten people can work together, as long as they follow social distancing guidelines.

Deputy Peter Ferbrache said the changes are in response to concerns raised from the industry, particularly firms with a larger working area that have been restricted by the same universal staff limits as smaller worksites - five indoors and ten outdoors. 

“It’ll be strictly enforced,” said Deputy Ferbrache. "But it does show that we are listening. We want to get the economy open as soon as possible.”

Pictured: In stage 1 of our exit strategy a maximum of ten people can work outside, as long as the jobs aren’t client facing.

These changes don’t align with any movement to Stage 2 of our exit from lockdown. We have been told that an update on a potential move to Stage 2 will be discussed early this week, as active Covid-19 case numbers fell yesterday to just 18. 

“The construction industry consists of hundreds of businesses small and large and we’ve listened to them and we’ve taken advice from Dr Nicola Brink [Director of Public Health],” said Deputy Ferbrache on Friday. 

“From Monday they will be able, as long as they have an approved method statement and site plans, and as long as they can fence off and have separate zones, to have ten workers per zone.”

Pictured: Deputy Ferbrache made the announcement during the latest media briefing.

All businesses that that are intending to operate are required to register with the States of Guernsey online.