MAKING sure the construction industry on the Isle of Wight can keep things moving during the coronavirus pandemic is the aim of a new not-for-profits group.

The group, availableWight aims to help source and redeploy the resources from the Isle of Wight construction industry.

Its key objectives are to ensure workers are trained to act safely; available for work or volunteering; suitably qualified to undertake works required and are living on the Isle of Wight.

A website has been set up to allow those in need of essential works by construction trades to view the live availability status of all registered skilled resources.

The group hopes to sign-up as many qualified trade companies and individuals as possible.

Once registered they can be selected to carry out direct works or be borrowed by another company for emergency staff needs if workforces are heavily affected by people unavailable for work.

A spokesman said: "We hope to facilitate in providing an agile, industry workforce whose aim is to support the greater good while the effects of the pandemic and the movement controls make maintaining operations very challenging."

"Health and safety support and information is provided for the construction industry users to ensure best practice and government guidelines are understood.

"We are fearful that without good adherence, the industry risks becoming a super-spreader within the community while continuing its essential activity.

"availableWight can assist in assuring that vital health and social care services can be kept operational, vulnerable residents and businesses will be protected from rogue traders if Island residents use the portal to find available and suitably qualified contractors."

availableWight has been given telephone support from Wightfibre and much time has already been given to set up this response.

The group hopes, through availableWight, that for the time when it is really necessary, the Isle of Wight construction industry will work well together to support its community.

If you, or the company you work for, would be interested in being members please go to www.availablewight.co.uk or email support@availablewight.co.uk and find out more about registering.

If you think you may need to use the free service, availableWIGHT is available via www.availablewight.co.uk or email support@availablewight.co.uk or contact via social media (search available wight).