Rhino shares letter from business secretary Alok Sharma

Business secretary Alok Sharma has paid tribute to the construction industry for playing its part in keeping the economy ticking through the pandemic.

In an open letter addressed to all in construction, Sharma praises the industry for rapidly delivering emergency hospital capacity, keeping vital public services going and speeding up the delivery of infrastructure schemes.

“Whether working on large or small construction sites, in peoples’ homes across the country, in builders’ merchants, designing and project managing schemes or producing construction and mineral products, you are making an invaluable contribution in supporting the economy,” he writes.

“Since the outset of the pandemic in March, you have performed a vital role.

“In the past six months we have seen the industry build the Nightingale Hospitals, accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects, support vital public services and help the country adapt buildings to become Covid-Secure.”

He adds: “While doing this, the industry has itself had to innovate and adapt, changing the way it operates on sites, finding more efficient ways of delivering projects, and collaborating effectively throughout the supply chain.

“Thank you again to everyone operating in the UK construction sector. You are making a hugely valued and critical contribution to our country.”