The app will enable QR check-in at sites and offices and help NHS Test and Trace services contact people when coronavirus outbreaks are identified.

Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council Andy Mitchell said: “We believe the construction industry can lead the way in encouraging the widest possible roll-out of this app, which will be vital in our national fight against Covid-19 in the weeks and months ahead.

“Construction is uniquely placed in that we have been operating throughout the pandemic using Site Operating Procedures to ensure Covid-secure environments, a model of safety best practice that has been taken up in other sectors and across the world.

“In addition, as well as employing some 2.3 million people, our industry is highly visible to the public in all parts of England and Wales.

“That’s why we are urging all employers in our sector to ensure QR codes are displayed prominently on sites and in workplaces, and that steps are taken to encourage employees to download the app and use it regularly on a daily basis.

“Throughout this emergency the construction industry has risen to the challenge of keeping the economy going while protecting the safety of our workforce.

“The NHS Covid-19 app will be another weapon in our armoury to ensure that where coronavirus outbreaks do occur, those who have been exposed are able to contacted and told to isolate, which will be key to suppressing this disease over the next six months.”

The contact tracing element of the app works by using low-energy Bluetooth to log the amount of time people spend near other app users, and the distance between them, so it can alert people if someone they have been close to later tests positive for Covid-19.

The app will advise people to self-isolate if they have been in close contact with a confirmed case.

It will also enable users to check symptoms, book a free test if needed and get test results.