Non-essential construction OK – within guidelines – Govt tells GGF
14th April 2020

The GGF has received an assurance from the government that non-essential construction in England* can continue within existing public health guidelines.

The Federation had written directly to the ministers at the Department of Business Energy & Industrial Strategy and says it received an immediate and unequivocal reply from the Directorate of Construction a statement:

“There is currently no distinction between essential and inessential construction work in England. The Government’s position is that construction work can continue, provided the worker is not displaying symptoms of Covid19 (coronavirus), does not need to self-isolate for another reason, and that the work can be done in a manner consistent with the guidelines published by Public Health England (PHE).”

GGF Managing Director John Agnew, pictured, said on hearing the reply: “Though we are pleased the Government responded in a swift and clear manner to clarify this important matter, this a fast-moving and changing situation. I would therefore advise all Members to be responsible and if they choose to operate, then they should do so within the Government’s Health and Safety guidelines and social distancing guidance.

In the meantime, to help companies cope the GGF will closely monitor the situation and continue our correspondence with Government during this extraordinary time.”

The organisation has also advised that business owners conduct a thorough health and safety risk assessment of the workplace and contact their Insurance Provider to ensure that Employer’s Liability & Public Liability insurance policies are unaffected during this period as long as all the Government and Public Health guidelines are adhered to.

*The GGF adds that while the response is specific to England, guidance on possible variations around the UK may be found at:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-construction-sector-guidance/
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-essential-businesses-and-serviceshttps://gov.wales/coronavirus-key-critical-workers