Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that new Covid-19 curbing measures will last from November 5 until December 2.

People are being told to work from home wherever possible.

But Johnson said: “Workplaces should stay open where people can’t work from home – for example in the construction or manufacturing sectors.”

The furlough scheme has also been extended until December with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500.

The latest guidance states: “To help contain the virus, everyone who can work effectively from home must do so.

“Where people cannot do so (for instance people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing) they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace.

“This is essential to keeping the country operating and supporting vital sectors and employers.”

The latest version of the Construction Leadership Council’s Site Operating Procedures for safe working can be found here.

CLC co-chair Andy Mitchell said: “We have also demonstrated that the entire industry depends on the flow of money and materials, and that it is essential that product manufacturers, builders merchants and distributors keep operating so that we have the materials to build and repair our homes, hospitals and services.

“It is imperative that this happens.”

Housing minister Robert Jenrick also confirmed that builders merchants will remain open and tradespeople will be able to enter homes.

Renters and homeowners will also be able to move during the lockdown.