Welsh installers faced another blow this week with the announcement by First Minister Mark Drakeford of a fortnight’s ‘Firebreak’ halt on non-essential work – including most domestic installation.
Many, still struggling with growing post-lockdown lead-times, were preparing to withstand a two-week pause. However, one industry expert warned that the lessons from the March lockdown could mean the enforced break might not be limited to the two weeks, leading to more serious consequences for some businesses.
Prof Noble Francis, the Construction Products Association’s economics director, said: “The greater worry will be for those who remember that the initial lockdown on 23 March started as a three week lockdown initially and then was extended.
“If it is a two week circuit breaker lockdown then a considerable amount of this delayed work can be caught up, although some will just end up getting pushed back,” he continued, “But if it is longer then it could be a difficult end to the year for Welsh firms.”
Even at two weeks, he said the restrictions would hit 60% of Wales’ private housing repair and maintenance for that time. He also warned that similar circuit-breakers may yet be brought into effect elsewhere in the country.
Drakeford yesterday (Oct 19) announced “The fire-break will start at 6pm on Friday 23 October and end on Monday 9 November. It will apply to everyone living in Wales and will replace the local restrictions which are in force in some parts of the country.
“The Welsh Government will provide a package of almost £300 million to support businesses, which will complement wage-support schemes available from the UK government.”
The statement continued that work carried out inside other people’s homes can only take place if it is urgent or to repair a fault which poses a direct risk to people’s safety. This includes work which has already been started.
Meanwhile, further up the supply chain, the general message was business as usual from companies like AluK, which today tweeted :”We will remain open as a key supplier to the construction industry, which is deemed an essential business. Orders and deliveries will continue as normal.”
