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There are fears that further lockdown restrictions could impact the construction sector
The construction sector in Scotland will be holding its breath this week with the looming threat of more tougher restrictions from the Scottish Government.
However, there was some encouraging news from the UK government yesterday when the new Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng MP stated that workers in this sector should continue to operate through lockdown.
The letter to industry leaders was welcomed by many in the sector.
In it, Mr Kwarteng said: “I would like to take this opportunity to restate the Government position, which is that firms and tradespeople in the construction sector and its supply chain, including merchants, suppliers and product manufacturers, should continue to operate during this national lockdown.”
But others disagree.
“Lockdown should mean lockdown” said Heather on Twitter who lost her Mother to coronavirus and knows the danger and risk of being out and about at times like these.
It also angered her and other Twitter users as during the first lockdown, construction companies and sites had to close as they could not accommodate to social distancing rules.
Other Twitter users are happy that construction is to go ahead as it gives them a job during lockdown and the alternative would not be as pleasant.
@celticwitch1995 on twitter said: “My husband is to start a new job on the 11th, if manufacturing was shut down, I wouldn’t be able to pay my mortgage and he would be out of a job. So, I for one, am glad that construction/manufacturing is still ongoing.”
There are other people who are outraged as they feel as though their lives are worth less than those in other non-essential professions.
For example, now that lockdown has occurred in Scotland, businesses like restaurants, bars and clothes shops have had to close and cafes are closed to the public for indoor eating and drinking.
In his letter, the UK Business Secretary also added: “I would also like to make it clear that where it is essential to travel or to stay in accommodation, whether to get to your work or for the purposes of carrying out your work, those in the industry are able to do so.”
Further news has suggested that the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, may introduce new restrictions on manufacturing and construction in the coming days.
This is to stop the spread of the coronavirus and the new variant which has proven to be unpredictable.
