<p><span>Persimmon has announced that it will begin a phased restart to its sites from April 27.</span><span></span></p> <p><span><span>Following Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Partnerships’ announcements on restarting site work, the volume housebuilder said that since the closure of its sites and sales offices in late March, it had devised and tested “a range” of new site protocols to allow for a return, “while ensuring the necessary social distancing restrictions are strictly enforced”.</span></span></p> <p><span>The move was welcomed by housing secretary Robert Jenrick who tweeted that where social distancing guidelines can be followed “construction can and should continue”.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>Persimmon says its</span><span> </span><span>measures had been made in consultation with colleagues, subcontractors and suppliers and in compliance with government and Construction Leadership Council (CLC) guidance. Those not adhering to Persimmon’s new standards would face disciplinary action and dismissal from site, it added.</span></p> <p><span>Looking back over the past few weeks, the business said that, after transitioning to home working, its sales teams had continued to assist customers through virtual viewings and online reservations. During the five weeks to April 19, it secured around 820 gross private sales reservations.</span><span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>And other colleagues had continued to progress planning permissions, technical drawings, procurement “</span></span><span><span>and all other work required to prepare …