CIAT response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Updates from the Built Environment
Site operating procedures during COVID-19
After confirmation that England would move to the final stage of easing of coronavirus restrictions from Monday 19 July, the CLC has said it will keep its guidance documents available "as a reference". Whilst they will no longer reflect the latest Government guidance, businesses across the supply chain may wish to maintain elements of social distancing for the time being. Read the full statement here.
Update: Site Operating Procedures are no longer current and remain available as a reference document.
Face covering guidance
The Government suggests that face coverings should be worn in crowded and enclosed spaces where people may come into contact with others they don’t normally meet. Employers can choose to ask workers to wear a face covering, even though they are not legally required to, but need to consider reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities, as well as other obligations to workers arising from legislation. Workers may also choose to wear a face covering where it is not legally required.
The use of face coverings and/or PPE is not required in response to coronavirus whilst carrying out construction activities.
Read the latest CLC guidance here.
Updates from The Construction Leadership Council (CLC)
Update on rules of self-isolation (21 July 2021)
An update to industry in relation to COVID-19 and self-isolation following the relaxation of COVID-19 rules on 19 July 2021.
England lockdown –a message to the construction industry (13 January 2021)
A letter to the industry from Andy Mitchell, CLC Co-Chair, regarding the recent national lockdown.
England lockdown – a message to the construction industry (2 November 2020)
A letter to the industry from Andy Mitchell, CLC C0-Chair, following the PM’s announcement of a second national lockdown.
An update on the CLC's People & Skills Network to support a skills led recovery from COVID-19 (29 October 2020)
This letter to Nadhim Zahawi MP outlines priority policy interventions for Government to support a recovery in construction apprenticeship starts and to progress more FE learners into the industry.
Use of face coverings in construction during Coronavirus (29 September 2020)
The CLC now recommends that masks are worn where workers on site are not required to wear Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and their workplace (which may include welfare and changing facilities, office or meeting rooms) meets all of the following criteria:
- an enclosed space;
- where social distancing isn't always possible; and
- where they come into contact with others they do not normally meet.
Download the guidance here.
Use of face coverings in construction during Coronavirus (14 August 2020)
In The Use of Face Coverings in Construction during Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is proposed that employers make available face coverings as a minimum where workers are not required to wear RPE for their specific task and their workplace meets all of the following criteria:
- an enclosed space;
- where social distancing isn't always possible; and
- where they come into contact with others they do not normally meet.
Download the guidance here.
Construction Roadmap to Recovery (1 June 2020)
The Construction Leadership Council's Covid-19 Taskforce has laid out proposals to secure the future of construction businesses nationwide, while setting the industry on a sustainable path towards recovery. The Roadmap to Recovery can be downloaded here.
Contractual best practice guidance (7 May 2020)
Advice on contractual best practice has been produced by the CLC via its Covid-19 Industry Task Force. View it here.
Guidance for on-site construction sites
Langley, supported by the Construction Industry Council (CIC), has produced a short video that demonstrates safe and responsible guidance for workers on construction sites operating during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, to ensure the protection of the workforce and minimise the risk of the spread of infection.
Safe working during the COVID-19 pandemic
BSI has published PD ISO/PAS 45005:2020, Occupational health and safety management — General guidelines for safe working during the COVID-19 pandemic, which supplies practical recommendations to organisations and workers on how to manage the risks. Download the guidance here.
The Federation of Master Builders has issued guidance for its members on restarting building work. To view the guide visit fmb.org.uk.
The Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV)
The CICV Forum was set up with the aim of bringing together the main construction trade and professional bodies to gather intelligence, share advice and speak directly with the Scottish Government on issues affecting members in the current crisis.
An article about the work of the Forum appears in the June/July 2020 edition of CABLEtalk, the SELECT stakeholder magazine. View it here.
The CICV has developed detailed guidance on health and safety and this can be viewed here.
As of January 2022, it has now changed its name to the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV), putting more emphasis on its shared focus and willingness to tackle the many other issues currently facing the construction industry.
Contractual issues caused by Coronavirus
The Cabinet Office has issued guidance on responsible contract behaviour. Access this here.
Guidance on contractual issues caused by coronavirus has been published by Build UK and law firm Wedlake Bell, setting out key general considerations as well as implications for JCT and NEC contracts. Read it here.
Information and guidance from Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
The Building Safety eBulletin will keep you up to date on the shadow Building Safety Regulator being established within HSE and the progress of the draft Building Safety Bill and Fire Safety Order consultation. Subscribe using the link here.
Review Coronavirus information provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - click here to view it.
Regulating occupational health and safety during the coronavirus outbreak.
Guidance for employers to keep lone workers healthy and safe.
Advice for duty holders on additional precautions to help reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus when meeting legal requirements for thorough examination and testing (TE&T).
Downloadable stress talking toolkit which has ideas you can adapt to suit your current working arrangements.
Protecting homeworkers
Hays Thrive free online training
Hays Thrive is a free online training portal designed to help employers and their teams grow the skills they need to function effectively and evolve in the face of the Coronavirus crisis. Current courses focus on remote working, wellbeing and health and safety. New courses are added monthly. Find out more and sign up here.
Kickstart Scheme
The Government has launched the Kickstart Scheme.
It provides funding to employers to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
For more information visit: www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme
UK VAT
The government has provided advice for companies regarding VAT.
A help and support page is available with online guides, webinars and videos: www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-for-vat
From 1 March 2021 the domestic VAT reverse charge must be used for most supplies of building and construction services.
The government has issued guidance regarding the VAT reverse charge for building and construction services: www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-domestic-reverse-charge-for-building-and-construction-services
There is support available for businesses struggling to pay their taxes at: www.gov.uk/difficulties-paying-hmrc
If you require any further information or advice please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] - we will continue to do all we can to support our members and affiliates in this period.