The Federation of Master Builders praises support package from Chancellor.

The support package for the self-employed announced by the Chancellor yesterday afternoon (March 26) is welcome relief for the thousands of self-employed workers in the construction industry, according to the Federation of Master Builders.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Construction workers across the country will now be taking a collective sigh of relief knowing they will now be protected in the same way that employees will be if they lose work due to COVID-19.

“I am delighted that the Chancellor has heeded our calls to be generous with his offer to the self-employed, who make up almost 40% of those working in the construction industry.

“Building companies will now also be able to close sites to protect workers and public health without having to worry about the losses faced by self-employed workers on those sites.

“We now urge the Treasury and HMRC to ensure that all support packages are up and running as soon as physically possible.”