News
Construction Sector Return to Work
The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, of which CECA Scotland is a leading member, has welcomed the first tentative steps announced yesterday (May 21) to get the sector in Scotland back to work – but health and safety and collaboration must be at the heart of the phased return.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that Scotland will begin a process to reopen construction sites from next week (May 28), alongside other measures.
Under the phased return to work, businesses will be allowed to resume work on sites, based on a six-point plan which the government has developed with the industry. Collaboration and cooperation with the trades unions will also be important to ensure a safe return.
The overriding focus on safety has been promoted by the Forum, which has successfully produced a range of industry advice about correct working during course of the crisis.
The CICV Forum will release more guidance to help business owners, contractors and apprentices through each stage of the phased return, including advice for construction sites, domestic work and colleges.
Alan Wilson, Chair of the CICV Forum and Managing Director of SELECT said: “This is the news we have been waiting for and it has not come a moment too soon.
“We all understand the reasons why Scotland has been in virtual shutdown since March, and we all need to work together to assist the sector as it faces an uphill struggle to recover.”
Grahame Barn, CECA Scotland Chief Executive said:
“This is welcome news for the Scottish civils sector and as our members return safely back to work, we will be working to make the case for enhanced Scottish Government support for the construction sector, to protect jobs and ensure that Scotland’s civils sector has a sustainable and bright future, at the heard of Scotland’s economy. In the meantime, we urge the Scottish Government to issue update construction guidance as soon as possible to ensure maximum clarity on how the sector can restart”.
Read the Scottish Government Recovery Plan
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