Build UK’s contractor members in England and Wales now have nearly all (97%) of their construction and infrastructure sites operating again.
The figure is up from 93% a fortnight ago. The contractors also reported a gradual increase in productivity. Construction sites have risen from 74% productivity (compared to normal levels) to 78%. Productivity on infrastructure sites has now hit 89%, up from 85%.
Meanwhile, 93% of Build UK’s housing sites are now open, up from 68% a month ago, with output rising from 53% to 78% during the period.
However in Scotland, just 21% of projects are running and output is at 27%. Scotland is currently at Phase 1 of its route map to return from the coronavirus pandemic, with Phase 2 known as a “soft start” where work can be carried out within physical distancing parameters.
But the industry can only move to this phase a minimum of two weeks after publication of the updated guidance for the sector on 28 May, which means that the earliest that there will be an update on sites being able to reopen will be tomorrow (11 June).
