Mixed Messages Risk Builders' Livelihoods, Warns FMB

Greater clarity is needed from the Government with respect to construction sites remaining open, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the Government's announcement yesterday enforcing further restrictions on travel.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Our members want to do the right thing, but the advice coming from Government is anything but clear. I am calling on the Government to tell my members, today, whether they can continue to go on site and work. Small builders cannot work from home, but without cash grants available now, they risk seeing their livelihoods lost.

Mr Berry concluded: “Mixed messages are spreading further anxiety at a time when hundreds of small builders face immediate lost earning, having to make their staff redundant, and seeing their companies go to the wall. The £25,000 grant must be extended to construction, support is needed for the self-employed which make up 37% of the industry, and applications for the Job Retention Scheme must be brought forward.”