The Crown Commercial Service has prepared construction-specific guidance on its recently published Procurement Policy Note 2/20 Supplier relief due to COVID-19.

The original note outlined how public sector clients can support their supply chain during the current crisis. The new update focusses on how this support can work with current industry contracts and includes some model deeds of variation. The note recognises that most UK construction suppliers will be ‘at risk’ as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and therefore clients do not need to undertake detailed financial analysis before providing relief.

The note also blocks companies from furloughing staff that are due to work under contracts that are subject to relief.

Last week representatives from across industry wrote to the Prime Minister recommending public sector clients to release retentions to support cashflow in the sector. The note stops short of proposing this, instead saying that clients may consider doing so, but that it may mean that they take on inappropriate risks.

Finally, the note suggests that clients establish Project Bank Accounts for current projects to help with industry cashflow during the Covid-19 crisis.

Mental health support

Industry mental health charity Mates in Mind is working in partnership with the Civil Engineering Contractors Association to deliver free mental wellbeing workshops. These workshops are aimed at employees; and managers (including supervisors).The live online workshops will take place on 15,16 and 21 April and will be delivered by trained mental health practitioners. Delegates will be able to see and interact with the tutor and with each other.

• Mental Wellbeing Workshop for Employees

Get everyone thinking and talking about mental health in this 45-minute online session. The session gets us to think about how the current environment impacts our wellbeing, how we can look out for ourselves and our co-workers.

• Mental Wellbeing Workshop for Managers

This one-hour workshop provides managers and leaders with increased skills and confidence to support employees with their mental wellbeing during the current climate.

Anticipating level of interest, places are initially limited to 2 delegates per organisation. We have confirmed that furloughed employees are allowed to take part in this training without affecting their furloughed status. Book your place now:

Wednesday 15 April

09.00 – 10.30 Manager  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102107291658

11.00 – 12:15 Employee  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102093229598

13.00 – 14.30 Manager  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102107616630

15.00 – 16.00 Employee  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102111815188

Thursday 16 April

09.00 – 10.30 Manager   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102109273586

11.00 – 12:15 Employee  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102111153208

13.00 – 14.30 Manager  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102109147208

15.00 – 16.00 Employee  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102111227430

Tuesday 21 April

09.00 – 10.30 Manager  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102109981704

11.00 – 12:15 Employee  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102111442072

13.00 – 14.30 Manager  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102110481198

15.00 – 16.00 Employee  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/102113018788

The Briefing has been prepared in collaboration between the industry’s leading trade and representative bodies: Association for Consultancy & Engineering, Builders Merchant Federation, Build UK, Chartered Institute of Building, Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Construction Industry Council, Construction Plant-hire Association, Construction Products Association, Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), Federation of Master Builders, National Federation of Builders, and Institution of Civil Engineers. We are grateful to Building, Construction Enquirer, Construction Manager, Construction News, Highways, Infrastructure Intelligence, and New Civil Engineer for support in distribution to the wider industry.