Group CEO Mark Reynolds said: “It is now clear that restrictions around social distancing are likely to be in place for many months – and so construction must find a way to work safely.

“If we do not, we will be unable to support the UK’s economic recovery.

“Guidance from the Prime Minister and his Cabinet has been clear that construction is a vital element of the UK economy that will be critical in our recovery from this crisis – and that where we can open sites in accordance with the Construction Leadership Council’s Standard Operating Procedures, we should do so as soon as possible.

“Following Mace’s temporary suspension of construction work across our UK projects on Tuesday 24 March, the Mace Group Board has announced today that we will begin a progressive re-opening of some of our construction projects from the morning of Tuesday 7 April.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone who works on our sites is our first priority. We have made it clear that we would not re-open our construction projects until we were satisfied that it was safe to do so.

“During this period, there have been ongoing critical works on a number of projects that have allowed us to test and develop our procedures for a wider opening.

“We are working closely with our clients and supply chain to make this re-opening a success.

“The Mace Group Board, our construction leadership teams and our project teams will be taking personal responsibility for ensuring that guidance is strictly followed.

“If it is not, we will close sites immediately.”

Last week Mace confirmed that it would be furloughing 800 of its 5,000 staff.