The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has welcomed the Government’s plans to protect wages.
The Federation says Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s move could ensure the UK’s vital building materials supply chain is kept moving.
With the building materials sector valued at £55 billion pounds, the Federation has advised the Government of the devastating impact if the pandemic shuts down the industry.
John Newcomb, chief Executive of the BMF, said: “Around 80% of the UK’s building materials are manufactured in the UK, which is a considerable benefit, particularly in these hugely challenging times.
“BMF merchant members perform a vital function in distributing materials and products from quarries, kilns, sawmills, factories and ports to where they are needed onsite every day.
“Unlike supermarkets and high street retailers, we do not anticipate panic buying of the materials and products that BMF members make, stock and deliver.
“However, it is important that this vital part of our economy is able to function, to support the national economy in this difficult time.”
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