A housebuilder has announced the closure of all its building sites as the coronavirus lockdown continues.
Barratt Developments North East, which includes the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes brands, says it is temporarily closing its 19 developments and sales offices, as well as its head office.
The firm has taken the decision to halt operations to ensure the safety of its customers and employees following a statement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which called for all non-essential businesses to close to help contain the coronavirus.
Barratt Developments has now "transitioned the business" to enable home working and is offering support to staff and customers through this period of uncertainty.
Carl Sobolewski, managing director, said: “The health and safety of customers and employees is our number one priority.
"We made the decision to temporarily close our 19 offices and sites across the North East region.
"They have all been closed safely and securely, and as quickly as possible.”
Barratt has a number of sites across the region, in areas including Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland, Morpeth, Hexham and Stockton-on-Tees.
