Urban Splash has stopped work at all of its sites and factories. The Manchester-based developer and modular housebuilder famed for its work with leading architects said work could not continue safely in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

The news came shortly after construction minister Nadhim Zahawi repeated his advice that construction sites should remain open despite the growing risk from the coronavirus outbreak.

He tweeted: "For sectors like #construction and #manufacturing, it's not always possible for employees to work from home. Construction work should continue in a way that follows guidance from @PHE_uk including on social distancing & handwashing."

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