Leading figures in the UK construction industry called on the government to classify builders as ‘essential workers’. This was put forth in the latest industry conference call between the minister for business and industry, Nadhim Zahawi, and members of the representative body Build UK.

Build UK told the minister that being classified as “essential workers” will reassure those working in the construction industry that they have permission to leave their homes in order to go to work.

It comes a the government recently said that construction sites should remain open, as long as workers are able to follow social distancing measures, including limiting face-to-face contact to a minimum of 15 minutes.

The decision to keep building sites open has been heavily criticised on by many, with some workers feeling like their health is being put at risk.

Build UK said it expects more sites to reopen as contractors adapt to new site safety requirements.