In the meantime, RenewableUK’s deputy chief executive Melanie Onn says that the trade body will be working with its members and central government to ensure that businesses can access the financial support measures announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak.
She said: “The overriding priority at the moment is public health and companies and individuals should follow Government advice to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.
“RenewableUK is engaging with our members and government to work through the impacts of COVID-19 on renewable energy projects, our supply chain which includes many small and medium-sized enterprises, and our workforce, and helping firms access the support announced by the Chancellor.”
She added: “Renewables and the wider energy sector are critical infrastructure and our industry will continue to work with government to support the national effort to respond to the challenges of Covid.”
On March 23, Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued stronger restrictions on staying at home, and the closure of all non-essential businesses and community spaces.
Although staff needed for the provision of electricity are included on the Government’s list of Key Workers, no specific guidance has been given on construction activities.
Travelling to and from work if it cannot be done from home is one of four reasons you are permitted to leave your home, although guidance from Public Health England stipulates that sites that stay open must implement social distancing recommendations.
Installers have responded robustly to the need to take increased precautions, for example Ecolution Group said that staff would be able to work from home where possible, that all critical meetings would be conducted remotely, and that installers would be adhering to all site or contract-specific instructions given by its clients on COVID-19.
More information on government financial support for businesses and self-employed persons affected by COVID-19 restrictions is available online at: https://bit.ly/343doKj