Parent group Fastflow said its United Living and affordable homes developer Partner would now be gearing up for a phased return to work.

Chairman and chief executive Neil Armstrong of Fastflow said that a successful trial in flexible working last year has helped the group to operate safely during the covid-19 lockdown and to prepare to resume suspended activities.

The six-month pilot project, conducted by group business United Living in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the government’s Flexible Working Task Force, included home and remote working – both of which have become essential business practices.

The £500m revenue business furloughed about 80% of its 1,100 employees after the industry shutdown.

Armstrong said: “There is no doubt that the lessons learned during the flexible working experiment gave us an advantage in planning new ways of working which meet the government’s safety and social distancing guidelines.

He added” Over the coming weeks, we intend to re-mobilise new housing sites where it is safe to do so.

“This will be on a graduated, phased and risk-controlled basis, prioritising external work and focusing on areas where social distancing can be maintained.

“We will continue to review government guidelines and assess the ongoing safety and viability of our operations as the situation progresses.”