In Scotland today the First Minister has confirmed a gradual introduction of Phase 2 of the National route map for easing COVID-19 restrictions, which means the Construction Sector can move to Phase 3 of the Construction Restart Model from Monday 22nd June.
Phase 3: Steady state operation (where physical distancing can be maintained)
In this phase, the site complement will have reached a steady state level and, depending upon the site parameters, evidence suggest that this could mean that only 30% to 40% of the original workforce are able to be accommodated, due to physical distancing criteria.
As in Phase 1, due to the shortage of medical style PPE supply, only work that can be carried out within physical distancing parameters or with physical barriers will be carried out. Progress throughout Phase 3 will be subject to monitoring and supervision by site management, with any data/evidence gathered (such as site Covid-19 related absences) being used to inform continual review of management practices and arrangements to ensure safe working and physical distancing.
In a subsequent briefing from The Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Kevin Stewart, to members of the CICV Forum (attended by FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee), the Minister expressed his gratitude to the construction sector for their patience and support in providing evidence to support this transition. He emphasised that the plan was centred on small steps taken slowly and carefully – it does not mean a return to normal and that strict adherence to the 2m working rule is essential. He applauded the level of collaboration in the sector, which he recognised was unprecedented. The Minister also highlighted the opportunity to benefit from the £230 million Return to Work Package, launched this week, £78 million of which has been earmarked for construction. He concluded his update by emphasising the importance of the construction sector to the Scottish economy and to ensure that if any difficulties are occurring in the way Public Bodies are managing contracts and not meeting the requirements of CPN 4: Managing Disputes and Cashflow then this should be reported to officials.
Full details of the phased plan are available here.
It has also been confirmed that face coverings will become mandatory on public transport from Monday 22 June. Further details can be found here.