No clarity on building sites as PM orders public lockdown

The housebuilding industry was left with few answers this evening as Boris Johnson announced the most dramatic restrictions on public movement seen in peacetime to defeat coronavirus.

The prime minister ordered a nationwide lockdown, mandating the closure of all non-essential shops and banning public gatherings of more than two people not in the same family. The announcement was mirrored by equivalent announcements in Scotland and Wales.

However, he didn’t say whether construction sites and housebuilding sales offices could continue to remain open.

All social events, including weddings and baptisms, will be cancelled, though funerals will be permitted. 

Travel will be banned except to buy medical supplies, care for the elderly, commute to work, and “shopping for basic necessities as infrequently as possible.”

Exercise will be limited to once a day with police patrols in parks to ensure the rules are being followed.

The prime minister said: “If you do not follow the rules, the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.”

Schools and leisure outlets were closed last week following an order for office workers to work from home wherever possible, but the prime minister said that “the time has now come for us all to do more.”

Speaking earlier in the day, Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said she thought building sites should shut, however Johnson’s statement included no detail on whether work on building sites will continue. It also did not specify whether, as appears likely, housebuilder showrooms will be forced to close with the prohibition of “non-essential shops”. 

The chair of the CLC, Andy Mitchell, has been in dialogue with the Cabinet Office since the PM’s announcement at 8-30pm this evening. Officials are working to secure much needed clarity about the position of construction sites, which may take until the morning.../contd 2

— Graham Watts (@CICCEO) March 23, 2020

...It is clear that this does not mean that everything must stop - it certainly doesn’t apply to those working in the health services and utilities operations and maintenance for example. In the meantime, the CLC chair has advised the Cabinet Office that the construction..contd/3

— Graham Watts (@CICCEO) March 23, 2020

...industry will come to work tomorrow, to prepare to shut down works safely, whilst awaiting further information. His interpretation is that this means as a minimum, to do whatever is necessary to leave works in a state that can be safely left for some while...contd/4

— Graham Watts (@CICCEO) March 23, 2020

...and to secure plant, equipment and materials. He has also made clear that this should include the maintaining of site security, the stability of partially constructed structures that could become unstable and potentially dangerous, and the maintenance of systems...contd/5

— Graham Watts (@CICCEO) March 23, 2020

...The main message is that the Prime Minister’s announcement does not mean “do not go to work regardless of the consequences” as this would be irrational and wrong, and unintended. END

— Graham Watts (@CICCEO) March 23, 2020