Confusion as €280 million UK project reopens

UK contractor Morgan Sindall has returned to work on its Sighthill regeneration project in Glasgow, Scotland.

Scottish Construction Now has quoted a Morgan Sindall spokesperson saying, “In agreement with our client, Glasgow City Council, the project will reopen at an appropriate time on a phased basis with reduced numbers of workers on site.”

Yet the latest guidance from the Scottish government is that all non-essential sites must close and remain closed for the time being.

Furthermore, the council told the Glasgow Times, “Our position remains that we do not believe that this work is essential, and in line with current advice from the Scottish Government, council staff are no longer working at the site.

“It is a matter for each main contractor to consider the most recent advice from the Scottish Government in relation to construction and make a decision as to whether they would wish to continue construction in the current circumstances.

“We will continue to engage in dialogue with our contractors during this challenging time, and after the current crisis is over, we will work closely with all of our contractors to plan our recovery.”

Morgan Sindall stated that the Sighthill project was only temporarily closed “as a precautionary measure”. Since that time, it says, it has made modifications to allow for a reduced workforce on site, practising social distancing measures.

The Morgan Sindall spokesperson said the company has also put in place “new travel arrangements and augmented on-site welfare facilities”.

Workers returned to the site at the end of last week, but one told the Glasgow Times that the situation was “highly stressful” and that being on site “does not feel safe”.

Morgan Sindall maintains it is strictly following government guidance across all of its sites.