THE Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has welcomed the announcement regarding further easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland, but said health and safety and collaboration must continue to be ‘at the heart’ of a sector-wide approach to returning to work.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon’s statement yesterday (June 18) means Scotland’s construction sector can move into Phase 3 of its own phased six-step restart plan from Monday June 22, ‘subject to ongoing consultation with government’.
Alan Wilson, chair of the CICV Forum and MD of SELECT said “Moving to Phase 2 of the national route map and Phase 3 of the construction restart plan is a further positive move which we wholly welcome. A steady, planned return to normal in both the construction industry, and in the Scottish economy more generally, could not be more desirable, but health and safety considerations remain critical.
“Our members are well prepared to meet the challenge of the phased return with caution, ever-conscious of the importance of not rushing at it, doing things properly and following the Forum-produced guidelines which are contained in a range of industry advice about correct working practices during course of the crisis.”
During a virtual meeting, held just hours after the first minister’s announcement, 27 CICV Forum members were joined via phone by Kevin Stewart MSP, minister for local government, housing and planning. Mr Stewart was given a briefing of the latest steps being taken by Forum members to help align work practices with the Scottish Government’s provisions, and also answered questions about next steps.
During his call, Mr Stewart said. “I realise this has been a difficult time for us all both professionally and personally, and I’m extremely grateful for the hard work, patience and input of the CICV Forum, which has helped shape how we move forward.”
