The timber sector is facing a significant decrease in demand for products according to a Timber Trade Federation survey of members, with more than 60% of respondents now accessing the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).
This reflects construction sites closing around the country, with the new build sector particularly impacted as major house builders such as Persimmon choose to shutter operations.
While the Government has issued calls to keep construction sites open where safe working conditions can be respected, in Scotland the First Minister has called on sites to close, as has the Mayor of London.
Respondents to the survey reflected this with ‘uncertainty’ the biggest concern for their respective companies and the industry. Many also felt the financial stability of the economy was under threat. Most respondents have reacted positively to the Government support so far provided, with almost three quarters saying that it was helpful.
As well as the CJRS, almost half of respondents were seeking to defer their tax payments with HMRC. Only a quarter were currently seeking to access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. However, this may increase due to disruption to cash flow.
Almost 70% of respondents are now reporting changes in payment practices from customers or suppliers since the outbreak began. It is clearly not business as normal.
Individual responses from members showed most expect to be facing disruption for at minimum six months, and widespread concerns about problems being pushed up the supply chain.
Members were confident about the general resilience of their businesses. While all expected this period to be financially tight in the short term, they remain confident in the longer term.
The Government could further assist in this period by providing temporary holidays on employment taxes, or with other bills such as rent, or support to pay staff via subsidised wage scheme.
The Timber Trade Federation is also advocating for continued support when businesses do reopen, as it may be some months before there is a return to pre-COVID levels of activity. This could include bringing forward scheduled programmes of prepared maintenance and construction to stimulate the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) market.
David Hopkin, Timber Trade Federation CEO, said: “This report reflects how uncertainty in the construction sector is impacting the timber supply chain, with mixed messages between national, local and devolved government on whether to stay open.
“While the measures taken by Government so far to support business may help in the short term, we will need to begin to see a plan for the other side of this crisis.
“Our counterparts in Europe are already working with Government on plans to open lower risk parts of the industry, and the UK will need to take similar action to provide an end to the uncertainty.”
Responses were collected to this ‘snapshot’ survey between 27 March and 3 April 2020 and were completed by 31 timber merchant businesses of varying sizes to, giving an indicative view of industry feeling. This follows on from the TTF’s survey at the beginning of March and you can view the latest full report online here.
