Coronavirus: Boris Johnson facing pressure over workers at building sites

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing growing calls to intervene and stop non-essential construction workers heading to building sites as the UK looks to slow the spread of coronavirus.

MPs from across the political spectrum have called for more stringent rules so workers are not put at risk of getting COVID-19 and public transport is not overwhelmed.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News that construction on open air sites can continue but workers should follow social distancing advice.

However, many builders have pointed out this is almost impossible on construction sites where hundreds of them work together, often having to be in close contact and eating in packed canteens.

Some complained they feel “angry and unprotected” going to work, while others say employers are pressurising them to come in so they are concerned they will not be paid if they stay at home.

Listed housebuilders Persimmon and Bellway confirmed on Wednesday morning they were beginning a phased shutdown of their sites, despite the regulations currently allowing them to operate.

Bellway cited the need to keep workers safe alongside difficulties sourcing construction materials.

Persimmon said it had stopped all non-essential work and sites were only being made safe and secure.

Their updates followed the lead of rivals Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Developments who had already announced a suspension of ordinary activity.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “Our members want to do the right thing, but the advice coming from government is anything but clear.”

A Cabinet Office spokesman told Sky News those who cannot work from home should go to work if they are feeling well.

Mr Jenrick said any businesses that couldn’t guarantee labourers could socially distance should “think about closing down your business”.

He told Kay Burley@Breakfast: “If you don’t follow those rules there will be enforcement action taken against you.”

On Monday evening, the government announced a recruitment drive for 250,000 volunteers who are in good health and can help vulnerable people.

The NHS has said the volunteers will support the 1.5m vulnerable people who have been asked to “shield” themselves from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock also announced that an east London exhibition centre would made into a field hospital with 4,000 beds to cope with the outbreak.

The efforts to deal with the pandemic came as the UK saw its biggest daily spike in deaths from coronavirus with 89, taking the nationwide total to 424.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UK now stands at 8,077, up 1,427 from 6,650 on Monday.

The prime minister said people could only go to work if “absolutely necessary” on Monday when he announced new measures.

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But on Tuesday, Mr Hancock said those who cannot work from home – including key workers in the NHS and social care – should go to work to “keep the country running”.

He said construction workers were among those who could keep working – as long as they could remain two metres apart at all times.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Andy Burnham are among the politicians calling for changes to be made.

London mayor Sadiq Khan’s office called for the government to act in order to get more people to stay at home as photos appeared on social media showing busy Tube trains.

Elsewhere, the health secretary said 11,788 recently retired NHS workers had responded to calls to return to work, including 2,660 doctors, more than 2,500 pharmacists and 6,147 nurses.

Mr Hancock said: “I pay tribute to each and every one of those who is returning to the NHS at its hour of need.”

He also said about 5,500 final-year medics and 18,700 final-year student nurses were set to “move to the front line” next week.

(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: Boris Johnson facing pressure over workers at building sites