Ibstock Brick has reopened this week following last month's decision to temporarily suspend operations at all the company's factories to support the Government's coronavirus lockdown.

The brick manufacturer started to bring some colleagues back into the workplace yesterday (Mon).

In a statement to the company's customers and suppliers, CEO Joe Hudson says: "A few weeks ago, we took the decision to temporarily suspend our operations in support of the UK Government's effort to bring the Covid-19 pandemic under control and to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our colleagues in a very uncertain time.

"Now, along with much of the UK building industry, we will begin to safely bring some colleagues back in to the workplace.

"This will allow us to commence a phased approach to restart activity in some of our factories over the following weeks, prioritising those with higher demand and ensuring we can continue to support the UK's construction industry and get Britain building again."

Mr Hudson highlighted that the health and safety of Ibstock Brick's employees, customers and suppliers remains 'paramount'.

"We have introduced enhanced protocols to ensure compliance with social distancing, hygiene and current guidelines regarding Covid-19.

"All sites will undergo a 'safe-start' session before commencing operations to support these ongoing protective measures," he added.