April 9, 2020
Announcement to – BDA Members, Suppliers & Industry Stakeholders
Like all businesses and organisations COVID-19 has affected the BDA and it’s members. The Secretariat, Keith and Jo Banton have been poorly with flu like symptoms and have been working at reduced capacity, although they are now both on the mend. We wish them a speedy recovery.
The impact on some members businesses could be devastating, due to the closure of some construction sites, postponement or cancellation of contracts and illness or worse.
The advice from the UK Government is clear
– the construction sector is an essential business sector and, so long as safeguarding for workers regarding hygiene and social distancing can be implemented, work may continue. The Scottish Government has issued separate advice, which is somewhat more cautious and has determined a limited number of types of essential projects, and that non-essential work should be halted https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-construction-sector-guidance/pages/essential-projects/
It is up to individual businesses to determine whether they can adapt their arrangements for their staff or whether they are involved in construction or whether the work they are doing is essential.
The BDA recommends that all workers who are required to travel should carry a copy of the Secretary of State letter and travel-to-work letter.
The BDA has determined that site audit visits by BDA auditors is non-essential travel and has suspended on site audits. Any audit due to expire in March, April, May or June 2020 will be automatically extended and will remain valid for up to 6 months. This will be reviewed as government advice changes. Along with the rest of the country, the BDA has to be optimistic that the control of the virus will allow easing of restrictions and a return to normality by the Autumn.
The BDA’s AGM, due to be held in Edinburgh on 29 April, has been cancelled. The format for the AGM is currently under review and options to hold the AGM virtually or to postpone are being considered.
It is clear that there will likely be significant economic damage caused by the outbreak and some businesses will be affected more than others. The BDA will be doing everything it can to help its members whose income has been affected.
Richard Fielden, Vice Chair
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