Bardon Hill-based Barratt Developments is planning a phased reopening of its construction sites from Monday (11 May).

Britain's biggest housebuilder had temporarily closed all sales centres, construction sites and offices, due to the coronavirus pandemic, by 27 March.

Now the Coalville company has announced work on building sites will recommence from Monday, initially to implement changes required under new working practices and protocols.

This will be followed by a phased return to construction with 180 sites - around half of the total - in the first phase.

Last month, Barratt Developments confirmed the company was in the process of furloughing around 85 percent of its employees, at their normal pay, until at least the end of May.

The housebuilder says the phased reopening means 'a significant proportion' of the workforce will be able to return to work this month.

David Thomas, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments, said: "Our first priority is the health and safety of our employees, sub-contractors and customers.

"We have created a detailed set of working practices and protocols for employees and sub-contractors to ensure that we can reopen our construction sites safely, in a phased and measured way, which minimises risk.

"In line with our commitment to put our customers first, we will be prioritising the completion of those homes that our customers have already exchanged or reserved.

"I would also like to thank our employees who have been fantastic during this challenging time, both those who have worked hard to get us ready to restart and our employees who are not currently working, many of whom have been inspirational as volunteers in their local communities."

A detailed set of working practices and protocols has been developed to enable Barratt Developments' construction sites to operate safely and in line with the latest guidance from Government, public health authorities and the Construction Leadership Council.

This includes changes to signage, site welfare facilities and compounds, site access and walkways. A Social Distancing Marshal will at all sites to ensure policy compliance.

In line with lockdown retail regulations, Barratt Developments is not reopening sales centres or show homes, but will continue to look after customers remotely.

Revised working practices have been developed for sales centres to reopen quickly and operate safely when restrictions are lifted.