Let housebuilders resume work in Scotland, urge Tories

Major housebuilding companies expect to resume some work in England and Wales next week

Construction giant Taylor Wimpey announced last week it would return to building sites on May 4 south of the Border, with appropriate social distancing and other safety measures in force for workers.

But the firm said it did not expect to resume work in Scotland as it had not received permission from the Scottish Government.

Scots Tory leader Jackson Carlaw said it would be “unfair” if firms could work in England but not Scotland.

“We can’t have a situation where building sites are back up and running in the rest of the UK, but lie empty here,” he said.

“That would be an unfair blow to our economy, not to mention the people across Scotland who are waiting to move into these much-needed new homes.

“If construction firms can get back to work safely in England and Wales, then they should be able to do so here.

“We appreciate that public health and the protection of life are the biggest priorities – but if housebuilders can do that without risking those things, it has to be looked at.

“We’ve always said we will support a divergent approach in Scotland if it can be shown that it’s of benefit for Scotland.

“That’s why the SNP government has to allow housebuilders back to work under new conditions, or explain very clearly and convincingly why they cannot.”

Planning minister Kevin Stewart said: “The advice to close all but essential construction sites is based on public health grounds. That remains the Scottish Government’s position.

“We expect all non-essential businesses to adopt a precautionary approach by remaining closed to protect the lives of their workers and their families. On that basis we hope and expect that businesses will comply voluntarily.

“It is only when we are sure the virus is fully under control that we can begin to ease any of the restrictions. In the meantime we are working closely with the industry on plans to restart work safely when the expert advice supports that.”