Government builds team to support construction industry

Friday 27 March 2020

A ‘Response Team’ has been created to ensure that the local construction industry isn’t adversely affected by the virus outbreak.

Put together by the government in partnership with the Jersey Construction Council and other sector representatives, the team is designed to ensure measures are in place to protect the industry’s future and provide support to construction businesses.

It follows news that the construction sector would not be eligible for the co-funding scheme announced yesterday (Thursday 26 March) by the Minister for Economic Development but would be considered for inclusion subject to ongoing health advice and further restrictions.

Officials say the government is “committed to support all construction industry areas including building, engineering, civil works, maintenance and design services” – trades which made up around 10% of the island’s labour market, with more than 1,300 businesses providing these services.

Pictured: The response team aims to cover the needs of building, engineering, civil works, maintenance and design services.

It’s said that short, medium and long-term measures have been set out to reassure the industry. However, it’s not yet clear what these measures are.

Chairman of the Jersey Construction Council has welcomed the move, describing the Government’s engagement as “proactive and timely”. 

He said: “We welcome this proactive and timely engagement with the Government to ensure that the industry that provides the essential infrastructure of our island is supported through this unprecedented crisis to help mitigate the immediate financial difficulties that our many businesses face and to plan for a sustainable future.”