Construction needs specific COVID-19 working practice guidelines

As well as offering member guidance on government intervention and stopping the transmission and spread of COVID-19, the National Federation of Builders (NFB) has been frequently speaking to its members about safe practices they have implemented in their businesses and on site.

Industry does not want to stop working and this puts construction in an unenviable position, especially as the last time we saw industry grind to a halt in 2008, many businesses closed for good, with workers permanently leaving construction.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “Over the past two months, we have regularly spoken with members to understand how they are mitigating the spread of COVID-19 on their sites and what business practices they have implemented to ensure workers and the public remain safe.

Many projects are on open air sites with workers being provided with personal protection equipment, such as masks and told to stay two metres apart. This considerably reduces risk and contact but we are also working on guidance with our members, which we believe ensures that projects can remain operational.

With almost half of the construction industry being self-employed and pipelines taking months to acquire, our industry does not want to stop working. Until we are told by the Government to down tools, we will be doing everything we can to support the safest possible working environment.”

National Federation of Builders

The National Federation of Builders is a United Kingdom trade association representing the interests of small and medium-sized building contractors in England and Wales.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Alterations can change a property’s rebuild cost

‘Don’t get caught short’ warning to homeowners from valuations experts – alterations can change a property’s rebuild cost Properties change over time. Homeowners may add an extension, upgrade a kitchen or bathroom, alter the layout, or even change how the building is used, but when do those changes mean it’s time for a new rebuild…
Read More →
Breaking News

HMO conversions hit investors for £82,000 on average

The average cost of converting a property into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) is estimated at more than £82,000 across England, according to new research by residential property management specialist, Rushbrook, although investors looking to avoid the conversion process have more than 2,500 existing licensed HMOs available to purchase. Rushbrook analysed HMO property listings across…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Selling a HAUNTED house?

Property lawyer reveals whether you have to tell buyers about ghosts    HOMEOWNERS selling a property with a spooky reputation have been warned that its haunted history could come back to bite them if a nervous buyer starts asking questions. From unexplained footsteps and doors opening by themselves to tales of former residents refusing to…
Read More →
Breaking News

Renters call for greater transparency in HMOs

National findings released as 1 in 5 tenants report feeling unsafe at some point during their tenancy because of a housemate Rising housing costs pushing more people towards shared accommodation      42% of tenants received no information about their housemates before moving in 60% wish they had known more about who they would be living with…
Read More →
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report: August 2026

August’s figures reveal a housing market where activity continues, but buyers are taking a more cautious approach, making realistic pricing and negotiation increasingly important. Meanwhile, growing tenant demand and limited rental supply continue to create challenges across the lettings market, highlighting the different pressures facing buyers, sellers, landlords and renters. Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark,…
Read More →
mycelium growth
Estate Agent Talk

How to spot and prevent damp and mould in your home

As temperatures fall and homes become more susceptible to condensation and moisture, Propertymark is urging tenants and homeowners to be aware of the signs of damp and mould and take action early to protect their homes and their health. Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died from a severe respiratory infection after being exposed to damp and mould…
Read More →