Housebuilder Persimmon has announced it will begin a phased restart of work on its construction sites, after spending the last month incorporating social distancing and protective measures.
In response to the government’s objective of getting the construction sector back to work, Persimmon has followed the Construction Leadership Council’s Standard Operating Procedures (version three) and Public Health Advice to ensure its sites are safe.
David Jenkinson, chief executive officer of Persimmon, said: “The government has issued clear guidance that it sees construction as a vital element of the UK economy, and that where sites can comply with the Construction Leadership Council’s Standard Operating Procedures, then they should continue to operate.
“Persimmon is keen to support the government in meeting this objective, but the health, safety and wellbeing of the public and everyone who works on our sites and in our offices remains our top priority, and we will not recommence construction operations until we are satisfied that it is safe to do so.
“In the period since March 25 2020, working closely with our colleagues, sub-contractors and suppliers, we have therefore developed and tested a range of new site protocols to enable work to recommence, while ensuring that the necessary social distancing restrictions are strictly enforced.
“These new measures are fully compliant with UK government and Construction Leadership Council guidance. The Group is therefore announcing today [Friday April 24] that it will begin a phased re-opening of its construction sites from the morning of Monday April 27, which will allow us to support our customers by completing the construction of the new homes they have purchased in a safe and responsible manner.”
Persimmon has sold 820 homes in the last five weeks with sales staff working from home using virtual viewings.
The company added: “Colleagues working from home have continued to progress planning permissions, technical drawings, procurement, liaison with our sub-contractors, and all other work required to prepare sites for the restart of activity, to ensure this can be achieved swiftly.
“The Group has continued to offer its full support to its suppliers, including making forward funding available where necessary, to help them manage through the crisis and to ensure they are able to recommence supply immediately, once conditions allow.
“The Group continues to pay all supplier invoices in a timely manner, with 95% of invoices being settled within 60 days, in compliance with the requirements of the Prompt Payment Code, which Persimmon fully supports.”
Persimmon has not furloughed any staff during the crisis or used any of the government’s COVID-19 funding programmes.
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