Barratt shut its 360 active sites last month and has furloughed 85% of its 6,000-strong workforce.
But it has been testing safe ways of working on a pilot site and will restart the first phase of half its jobs this month.
Barratt said: “We have developed a detailed set of working practices and protocols so that our construction sites can operate safely and in line with the latest guidance from Government, Public Health Authorities and the Construction Leadership Council.
“This includes changes to signage, site welfare facilities and compounds, site access and walkways.
“We have already successfully implemented these measures on one of our sites as a pilot.
“A nominated Social Distancing Marshal will be present on all sites to ensure policy compliance and we will provide induction, training and support for our employees and subcontractors.”
The move will see a “significant proportion” of staff return to work this month from furlough.
Chief Executive David Thomas said: “Our first priority is the health and safety of our employees, subcontractors and customers.
“We have created a detailed set of working practices and protocols for employees and subcontractors to ensure that we can reopen our construction sites safely, in a phased and measured way, which minimises risk.
“In line with our commitment to put our customers first, we will be prioritising the completion of those homes that our customers have already exchanged or reserved.
“I would also like to thank our employees who have been fantastic during this challenging time, both those who have worked hard to get us ready to restart and our employees who are not currently working, many of whom have been inspirational as volunteers in their local communities.”
Supply chain continues to crank back into life
Materials firms are continuing to resume operations as Breedon Group became the latest major supplier to confirm production would restart at some of its plants.
Breedon said: “We have been encouraged by recent announcements from several companies in the wider construction sector confirming their intention gradually to reopen their operations in a number of regions of GB and Ireland.
“We in turn plan progressively to reopen some of our sites during the coming weeks, where customer demand supports it and where we can do so safely.
“This includes an anticipated return to clinker production at our two cement plants during the course of this month.”
Materials distributor Brickability is also reopening sites “in light of recent announcements from large UK housebuilders, brick manufacturers and a number of its other customers.”
