Nearly all Build UK contractors’ sites up and running

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).