Over the coming weeks the countries FAME members are based in will be changing their COVID restrictions and FAME is updating our advice to members.

In England, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, FAME has advised that the CLC Site Operating Procedures (https://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Site-Operating-Procedures-Version-7.pdf) set the appropriate minimum for on-site work in England, supported by working advice produced by Prospect (COVID-19 Working Advice V1.1 04/05/2020) as guidance to undertake risk assessments and to implement appropriate measures to ensure safe working practices.

The lifting of the remaining legal restrictions in England, including social distancing requirements, from 19 July 2021 means the CLC guidance will no longer be current. FAME recognise that members have welcomed the consistency that the CLC guidance has provided. They may choose, or be asked, to maintain elements of social distancing for the time being, in which case the Site Operating Procedures and Branch Operating Procedures should continue to be followed.

The CLC guidance may also assist in carrying out risk assessments as working arrangements are reviewed and revised, and the CLC would advise that any changes to social distancing measures are discussed with the workforce. The Site Operating Procedures and Branch Operating Procedures have helped the industry to adopt some good practices over the last 18 months, including more organised sites, enhanced welfare facilities, increased ventilation and improved communication with the workforce, which FAME would strongly recommend are retained.

For members working in other countries, while there will be relaxation of rules, it will not be at the same level as England, as of yet.

Northern Ireland’s guidance is tentatively set to change on July 26th, though still keeping some social distancing, the CLC Site Operating Procedures and COVID-19 Working Advice can be adapted to support this: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

Wales will be changing tomorrow, the 17th, but their guidance on working outdoors and construction is still in effect and the CLC Site Operating Procedures and COVID-19 Working Advice can be adapted to support this: https://gov.wales/construction-and-outdoor-work-coronavirus-workplace-guidance-html

For Scotland, the guidance has not changed since the summer of 2020 – https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-construction-sector-guidance/ and members in Scotland should still use this guidance –  https://www.cs-ic.org/constructionscotland/resources/working-on-site-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-construction-guidance/ and the COVID-19 Working Advice can be adapted to support this.

In the Republic of Ireland, the changes on the 19th will only be affecting aspects such as international travel and the guidance on construction has not changed since April 12th https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/%23construction#construction