Build UK members led by Mace CEO Mark Reynolds made the plea in a call with Minister for Business and Industry Nadhim Zahawi.

During the call they urged the government to “designate construction workers as‘essential workers’ in order to reassure everyone that they had ‘permission’ to leave their homes to go to work.”

The call comes amid continued criticism on social media for construction workers who are getting on with their jobs.

A Build UK update said: “The Minister recognised that companies are making some tough decisions in extremely challenging circumstances and there has been some opposition to sites remaining open, especially via social media.

“Confirming that construction sites of all types should continue to operate, he welcomed the publication of the latest version of the Site Operating Procedures as a great demonstration of an industry working together.”