Contractors have welcomed the Scottish government’s plans to restart construction as part of an easing of coronavirus restrictions.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday (21 May) that sites would begin to reopen from next week (28 May).
Under a phased return to work, businesses will be allowed to resume work on sites, based on a six-point plan which the government has developed with the industry.
Elliot Robertson, chief executive of contractor Robertson, welcomed the news. He said: “With construction and housebuilding operations on both sides of the border, we have found ourselves in a situation where we have been working safely in England but unable to do the same in Scotland. Meanwhile, our Facilities Management business has been operating throughout the pandemic, across the UK, delivering services to many front line customers utilising our safe operating procedures. It is our hope that the proposed phases are rolled out in a timely manner and that we receive the green light for safe operations to resume in the very near future.”
Vaughan Hart, managing director of the Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum (CICV) member the Scottish Building Federation, said: “The shutdown in Scotland has been one of the biggest challenges the sector has ever faced and, while we wholeheartedly welcome the return to work, it must be carried out in the proper manner.
“This means that the health and safety of operatives is paramount, and the correct guidance and procedures must be adhered to at every phase of the proposed route map. The Forum has been at the forefront of helping the industry by clarifying advice and this effort will now come into its own.”
CICV said it now plans to release more guidance to help business owners, contractors and apprentices through each stage of the phased return, including advice for construction sites, domestic work and colleges.
