Construction workers call for clearer guidance during coronavirus lockdown

  • Wales

Construction workers are calling for clearer advice and guidelines from the UK and Welsh Government on working during the coronavirus lockdown.

It comes as the UK Government allowed construction work to continue despite introducing strict anti-Covid-19 measures. To maintain consistency across the UK, the same guidance applies here in Wales.

Following the announcement of the lockdown on Monday, the Prime Minister's official spokesperson said, "we urge employers to use their common sense when managing live projects and ensuring that employees can follow the Government guidance and practice safe social distancing on site."

Many construction companies have contractural obligations to finish work. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

However, Chris Wynne who owns a construction company in Denbighshire said sites should be shut to ensure the industry is on a "level playing field".

He said, "At least then we can go to our clients and say as of government direction, we've been told to close down. That avoids us getting penalties, and we feel there's a moral obligation to our staff and to the whole country."

Chris Wynn said sites should be shut to ensure the industry is on a
Construction may continue, as long as workers observe social distancing guidelines. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

Meanwhile, plasterer Lee Martin says he wasn't sure what to do for the best this morning.

He said, "We don't know if we're doing right or wrong by working on people's houses...I don't know what to do for the best, obviously I've got to pay bills, you can survive a little bit, but you do worry about putting food on the table."

Plasterer Lee Martin said he

Speaking at his daily press conference, First Minister Mark Drakeford said he believed there was a strong case for closing construction sites but that the position needed further thought.

"We don't for example want to stop urgent repairs following flooding in Wales to suddenly come to a halt...We don't want to construct regulations in a way that a householder who has had their roof blown off finds that work comes to an immediate halt. There are some details to work through."

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