Scottish construction moves to next phase of restart

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.”