Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that construction sites will be able to remain open over the course of England\u2019s second national lockdown.<\/p>\n
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Addressing the nation on the 31st October, PM Boris Johnson stated that the construction sector could remain operating throughout the new lockdown, with restrictions in place from the 5th<\/sup> of November until the 2nd<\/sup> December. Johnson claimed:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe virus is spreading even faster than the reasonable worst-case scenario of our scientific advisers [\u2026] so now is the time to take action because there is no alternative. Workplaces should stay open for where people can\u2019t work from home, for example in the construction and manufacturing sectors.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This clarity on the matter comes as a refreshing change to the sector, after the initial announcement of the March lockdown earlier this year caused confusion with some over whether or not sites should stay open.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition to the go-ahead from the PM for construction sites to remain open and operating during this lockdown, Johnson also added that the job retention scheme will be extended until December this year. Johnson said:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m under no illusions about how difficult this will be for businesses which have already had to endure such hardship this year and I am truly sorry for that. That\u2019s why we are going to extend the furlough system through November [\u2026] we will not end it, we will extend furlough until December.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n