Its £7bn national construction framework will be extended by four months and the built environment consultancy services framework by three months.

The national construction framework has been running since May 2017, led by Willmott Dixon, Robertson, Wates and Lendlease.

Scape has now postponed the tender race for this framework for three months.

Likewise, invitations to tender for its £1bn consultancy framework, which is due to replace the current built environment consultancy services framework, will be delayed by three months.

Scape said the framework extensions and postponements would enable delivery partners to focus on commissioned projects and to ensure continuity of services.

Additionally, Scape is working closely with contractors to ensure safety measures are in place within their organisations and across all live projects.

Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “Work should only continue in compliance with the Site Operating Procedures (SOP) published by the Construction Leadership Council, which set out guidance on protecting workforces operating on construction sites.

“We’re supporting clients and delivery partners in doing this where sites remain open.”

He added: “As the situation surrounding Coronavirus evolves, we are focused on delivering robust contingency plans to minimise service disruption to our clients.

“We’re mindful of the Governments’ current advice to contracting bodies on expediency with procurement during the current crisis, which will clearly be needed to procure what’s needed to help public services deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We can provide additional flexibility to support the rapid deployment of critical projects. This includes direct awards, single supplier frameworks and in-house expertise in off-site construction.

“The industry needs to keep moving for as long as possible during the crisis, because the long-term costs to construction of a prolonged shutdown will be significant.

“And this especially important for live critical projects, like those for the NHS.”