THE Secretary of State for business has paid tribute to the construction industry for their contribution during the coronavirus pandemic.

Alok Sharma issued a letter to construction firms across Cumbria, thanking them for “answering the call to action”.

He wrote: “In these challenging times, I want to pay tribute to all those who are working tirelessly within the construction industry. Delivering on large or small construction sites across the country, in builders’ merchants and logistics providers, or producing construction and mineral products.

“Our country and our economy needs all our support. Whether by building temporary hospital wards, installing complex and life-saving oxygen systems, constructing the infrastructure that society needs to function or ensuring people have safe and healthy homes to live in, you are delivering for our nation through this difficult time.”