86% of sites now open in England and Wales

In its latest coronavirus update, the UK construction industry association Build UK has reported that 86% of its members’ sites in England and Wales are now open.

According to the body, which represents more than 40% of the UK construction industry, output from these sites stands at 75%, with adjustments being made to allow for social distancing and other health and safety measures.

In London, however, output from sites stands at just 68%.

On housing projects, which make up more than 40% of all construction work, 67% of Build UK’s members have reported 67% of sites are now in operation, with output at 67%, a significant improvement on the 29% reported four weeks ago.

In Scotland, only 19% of projects are operating, with output standing at 22%.

As sites continue to reopen, survey respondents said just 22% of their workforce remain on furlough, down from 30% four weeks ago.

Looking beyond construction, the government has reported that approximately 8 million people have been furloughed through its Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.