The boss of the RIBA is among industry leaders calling for architects and other construction workers to get key worker status after it emerged that they were being forced to take their children to sites following the closure of schools to most pupils this week.

While the government is telling most of the population to stay at home – and work there if possible – construction sites are being urged to stay open to boost the economy. However many of those employed on them are not classified as key workers unless they are engaged on "critical transport and border infrastructure" projects.

Alan Jones, the RIBA president, said this was an issue for architects who are being required to attend sites that remain open.

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