Construction industry agrees PPE deal to allow close working to return

Scotland’s construction industry can get back to close working on building sites after an agreement was reached with the Scottish Government that their requirements for PPE would not compromise NHS supplies.

Construction is now entering phase 4 of its own route map out of lockdown, agreed with ministers. However, while the easing of restrictions was welcomed, there was a warning from the sector that invoices had to be paid promptly to ensure its survival.

The construction industry in Scotland employs more than 175,000 people and fears have been raised about job losses due to delays to payments made by those who have commissioned building work.

Vaughan Hart, managing director of the Scottish Building Federation, said: “Construction firms are key to the Scottish economy and will be at the centre of the recovery so it is great news they can increase activity. The construction sector has clearly demonstrated it can operate safely and worked extensively with unions to ensure staff on site are protected.”

He added: “What we need to realise that recovery is ensure invoices from the public sector and other customers are paid promptly to ensure that our businesses can survive.”

Housing minister Kevin Stewart said he was pleased the construction industry could “take this further, important step in returning to work”.

He added: “Controlled close working will enable the sector to carry out tasks that have not been possible since the lockdown began, but we are of course not back to business as usual yet and the health and safety of construction workers and the public remains the top priority.”

He added: “The sector’s response to this crisis continues to be responsible and measured.”