COVID19: Federation of Master Builders calls for £25,000 grant to be awarded to Construction SMEs

It is a bewildering time for all, but the construction industry has a particularly difficult conundrum. With contradicting advice spreading like wildfire, should construction sites remain open?

Construction workers are not those listed as “key workers” however with cranes and scaffolding within the skyline of most major cities in the UK, not to mention the promise of new build housing and HS2, isn’t construction works critical to the UK economy?

The official advice is construction sites can remain open, provided safe working practices are maintained as well as social distancing.

Official guidance also states domestic works can take place (which is crucial for the survival of construction SMEs particularly) provided the tradesperson is well, social distancing is adhered to and the household where the work is taking place is not self-isolating. Exceptions can be made where emergency remedial works need to take place.

The FMB have reported 60% of their surveyed members have paused the majority of their work. The FMB’s advice to its members is that emergency remedial works should be the only work taking place, however, they understand the financial pressure this puts on business owners. Therefore, the FMB is lobbying to UK Governments for the £25,000 grant scheme to be extended to construction SMEs (this grant is in place for retail, hospitality and leisure).