A number of businesses are to reopen construction sites to meet demand while the conclusion of the lockdown remains uncertain.
Building company Redrow has become the latest company to announce it's reopening sites - with plans for construction work in a matter of weeks.
The company will be opening its closed sites and starting building work in just two weeks' time.
The firm has confirmed it will be returning to work on May 11 with phased construction due to start a week later.
When the lockdown was introduced on March 23 by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, there was much confusion regarding construction work which was deemed essential by the government.
Some sites closed to comply with preventative government measures while others continued working with extra safety measures being introduced to ensure essential building work could carry on.
On its website, Redrow has said: "The Government has made it clear they would like to see construction sites operating, provided they can do so safely with social distancing measures in place.
"We are confident that these conditions can be met over the next two weeks and therefore plan to begin reopening a number of our sites from the week of the 11th May, with a phased return to construction on 18th May.
"This will include putting robust social distancing protocols and physical measures in place, to ensure the safety of our colleagues and wider communities.
"In particular, we will have an e-learning module for all Redrow employees, induction videos for contractors, appointed Covid Supervisors for each site and enhanced signage and PPE."
The company is not alone.
Building firm Persimmon is also to reopen after shutting sites two days after the prime minister ordered the nationwide lockdown.
The firm said it will begin a "phased reopening" of its sites from April 27 to help complete new homes under construction.
Persimmon also said despite 30% of its workers being unable to work during the lockdown, it has continued to pay staff in full.
The company's announcement came a day after rivals Vistry Group and Taylor Wimpey also announced plans to return to work and reopen construction sites, including those being built in partnership with councils and housing associations.
Kier, the contractors working on the Shakespeare North Playhouse theatre, have said: "The health, safety and wellbeing of our people is our number one priority.
"We have reviewed all of our sites to ensure that we are operating in a way that continues to comply with the Construction Leadership Council’s site operating procedures. Where we are unable to comply, operations have been stopped.
"The situation is fast-moving and dynamic. We are therefore continuously reviewing our response to it and are adapting our procedures so as to continue to deliver our services in a safe and responsible way."
