According to Construction News (22 May), the percentage of big construction companies’ employees laid off on the British government’s furlough scheme is 22%, down from 30% in late April. A return to work on construction sites, which began well before 10 May, is continuing, but slowly and partially. Another survey, including smaller contractors, reported 46% of staff furloughed in the two weeks ending 7 May, the same percentage as in the two-week period ending 19 April. Even on sites run by big contractors, many workers are employed by smaller subcontractors.
89% of construction businesses have used the furlough scheme. But bosses are still cutting jobs. On Wednesday 20 May Wates said it would cut 300 jobs because new construction work has slowed down.