Over recent weeks, the property market has re-opened and construction has safely re-started on many sites across the country. We have worked closely with client Barratt Developments’ London, Southern Counties and Kent divisions as they made the decision to re-open some of their sites.

Local MPs were invited to visit selected developments as an opportunity to see first-hand the new health and safety measures Barratt has put in place for employees, sub-contractors and customers on site in response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

A detailed set of working practices and protocols have been developed by Barratt so that its construction sites can operate safely and in line with the latest guidance from Government, Public Health Authorities and the Construction Leadership Council. This includes changes to signage, site welfare facilities and compounds, site access and walkways. A nominated Social Distancing Marshal is also now present on all sites to ensure compliance and the company is providing induction, training and support for its employees and sub-contractors.

During all visits, the MPs met with senior representatives from Barratt and learnt more about the health and safety measures put in place both within the construction site, and within the sales and marketing suite. The visits then concluded with a site tour.

Rachel Colgan, Managing Director at Building Relations PR, comments: “Stakeholder engagement is always important, and we felt these visits were a great opportunity for local MPs to see what housebuilders in their constituencies are doing to ensure the safety of employees, sub-contractors and visitors to developments. As we enter ‘the new normal’, health and safety remains a top priority, and we are pleased to see clients including Barratt Developments implementing rigorous working practices and protocols.”

To find out more about how we could offer you PR support through stakeholder engagement, get in touch at pr@building-relations.co.uk