The Scottish construction industry will be able to move to the next phase of its restart plans as coronavirus restrictions ease.
Speaking yesterday, Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon said that workers would now be able to return to sites gradually, following work on health and safety planning and preparatory work on sites.
Sturgeon said: “I am very grateful to the sector and trade unions for the very responsible approach that they have taken during an incredibly difficult time.
“It’s important to be very clear though, that we still have a long way to go before construction will be working at full capacity, but there is no doubt this is a significant step in allowing an important industry to return safely to work.”
Meanwhile, the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has welcomed news that domestic work will be included amongst the scope of construction work now permitted.
The news follows recent restart discussions between the Forum and Kevin Stewart, the minister for local government, housing and planning.
CICV Forum chair Alan Wilson, who is also managing director of SELECT, said: “The announcement about a return to work and the inclusion of domestic work in the lockdown easing will be a huge relief to the lots of businesses across the whole sector which provide essential services to homeowners all over Scotland.
“However, as always in construction, safety is the overriding consideration and firms must prepare to carry out work in a wholly changed working environment, which will produce its own new challenges.”
