Highlights
The UK construction sector saw its fastest rise in output in four months during November, boosted by an increase in commercial work. According to IHS Market’s monthly construction purchasing managers index (PMI), the reading for the sector in November came in at 55.5, up from 54.6 in October.
A steeper rise in commercial construction, which stood at 56.5, helped offset a slight slowdown in house building growth, which fell to 54.7 from 55.4, amid a robust rise in demand for construction products and materials. (IHS Markit / CIPS, 2021)
Source: IHS Markit, CIPS
Governments in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have confirmed that construction works can continue as long as it is managed in a COVID-secure way. Both the worker and household members are well and have no symptoms of coronavirus.
Here is the advice and guidance for each of the nations:
England
All restrictions have now been lifted in England. However, while cases are high, everyone is being asked by the Government to continue to act carefully and remain cautious. The following links provide further information about working in construction during the pandemic:
Northern Ireland
At present, there are no imposed restrictions on undertaking building work within people’s homes. See the links below for further guidance:
Scotland
- Scotland’s First Minister confirmed that wearing face masks in shops and on public transport will remain mandatory in Scotland for some time to come.
- From 9 August, Scotland moved beyond level 0, and physical distancing rules and the limits on gatherings have been removed for businesses and individuals. Some baseline measures will remain, and construction businesses are still be required to adhere to these measures, including good hand hygiene and surface cleaning, continued promotion of good ventilation, the requirement for face coverings in specific settings (e.g. public transport), continued compliance with Test and Protect, including self-isolation when necessary, the ongoing need for outbreak management capability, including active surveillance.
Wales
On 7 August 2021, Wales moved to alert level 0. See the links below for further information from the Welsh Government:
(Federation of Master Builders, 2021)
Key Developments
- The London-wide ‘Design Future London’ challenge – aimed at people aged 11-25, with the task to design an innovative and inspirational green home and urban neighbourhood in the Royal Docks, East London, close to where City Hall is now moving in 2022. As per the mayor of London, Sadiq Kahn, this challenge will help young Londoners develop new skills and inspire more to join the world-leading built environment
This design challenge inspires more young Londoners to pursue fantastic career opportunities. (PBC Today, 2021)
- The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has issued advice videos, reminding workers how to keep themselves and others safe as the Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed.
Among the practical advice, the animation reminds construction professionals to make sure they’re vaccinated, register with Test and Protect, take regular lateral flow tests and familiarise themselves with the rules around self-isolation.
While on-site, it also reminds them to carry out thorough risk assessments, keep workspaces ventilated, wash hands, tools and surfaces regularly, observe physical distancing and wear appropriate face coverings where required.
The new guidance follows a range of other informative Forum videos that have helped steer the sector through the pandemic, including advice on face coverings, guidance on travel and information for those carrying out domestic work.
The video was developed by Iain Mason, chair of the Forum’s communications sub-group and director of membership & communication at SELECT, another member of the Forum.
