It is the first national house builder to announce plans to remobilise sites ending the housing industry lockdown which started four weeks ago.

The house builder has also designed and is self-manufacturing a bespoke face shield which will attach to a construction hard hat.

This will be used on all sites for key two-person tasks to give its employees and subcontractors an added level of protection.

The decision sends a signal of hope to thousands of largely self-employed workers laid off by trade contractors after major house builders closed their sites across the country.

Site management teams will use the week commencing 4 May to prepare for new site operating protocols developed in compliance with strict social distancing requirements.

The first subcontractors will then return on the week commencing 11 May.

They will need to sign up to the new Taylor Wimpey COVID-19 Code of Conduct for sites in advance of starting.

Taylor Wimpey added its sites in Scotland would remain closed until a return to construction receives the Scottish Government’s support.

Pete Redfern, chief executive, said: “Our first priority is always the health and safety of our customers, employees, subcontractors and suppliers.

“We took an early decision at the end of March to close our sites while we assessed in detail how to build homes without compromising on health and safety or quality.

“We are now confident that we have clear plans and processes in place so we can safely start back on site in a phased way.”

Sales centres, show homes and regional offices will remain closed while the house builder monitors latest guidance around social distancing.

Redfern added: “We will continue to provide service to customers and sell remotely and digitally.”

Taylor Wimpey has drawn up a fully revised set of working practices and additional precautionary measures for site works.

These include modified site operational practices, revised Risk Assessments, inductions, and changes to site format, including bespoke PPE for two-person tasks which have been designed by the firm’s in-house teams.

It has created the Taylor Wimpey COVID-19 Code of Conduct setting out its commitment to deliver a safe working environment for employees and subcontractors working on site, while stating clear expectations of behaviours of all those visiting its sites to work.

Redfern said: “We will be regularly monitoring and enforcing these behaviours on our sites and will require all staff, subcontractors and suppliers to sign up to this Code of Conduct in advance of starting on site.

“This has been based on the CLC guidance document which we have positively adapted and enhanced for a house building setting.

“We welcome the news that, going forward, the Health and Safety Executive will be monitoring safe processes in response to COVID-19 on site.”