On 8 September 2022, the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was announced.
Following this sad news, the FMB paid tribute to the life and service of Her Majesty, who was a tireless servant to the nation and the Commonwealth for over 70 years.
On behalf of all members, FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry has written to The Private Secretary to The King to express our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family as we join with the rest of the country during this time of national mourning.
In 1957, the FMB exhibited at the 'Building the New Britain Building Exhibition' at Olympia in London, where both the Queen and Queen Mother visited the FMB stand.
Guidance for building companies during the period of national mourning
The period of national mourning has started and will continue until the end of the day of the State Funeral, which will be held on Monday 19 September. The Royal Family is undertaking a separate period of Royal Mourning.
During this time, businesses are expected to operate normally. However, construction companies across the UK may wish to consider the following actions:
1. Review your planned work schedule
Review your planned work schedule over the next two weeks and consider potential impacts from commemorative events. Disruption to travel and site access is expected, particularly in central London where large gatherings of crowds will add pressure to transport networks.
Ensure you communicate openly with clients about any changes to planned projects and consider their wishes as some clients may choose to pause activities during this time.
2. Engage with your staff
- It has been announced that the day of the State Funeral on Monday 19 September will be a national bank holiday. While there is no statutory entitlement to time off for bank holidays, employers are encouraged to respond sensitively to requests from employees who wish to take time off. The Government has released a statement and further guidance about the bank holiday. Employers should also consider offering flexibility if employees wish to pay their respects at other times during the mourning period.
- Service personnel including armed forces reserves and voluntary civilian services (such as St John Ambulance volunteers) may be expected to help with commemorative services across the country, and employers should support this.
- Staff may wish to pay their respects in various ways such as signing an online Book of Condolences on the Royal Family website, leaving a floral tribute at dedicated locations within their local community, or donating to one of Her Majesty’s many charities and patronages. You may also choose to start your own Book of Condolences within your workplace.
3. Review your social media activity
Review your company’s social media activity to ensure content is appropriate and respectful. There is no set way to mark the passing of Her Majesty on social media. You may wish to share your memories of Her Majesty online or to observe a few days without posting content as a mark of respect.
Banners featuring the EIIR cypher are available to download for use on your social media channels to show your support in the lead-up to and on the day of the State Funeral. You can download banners for Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and for 1920x1920px and 1080x1920px social media posts.
4. Reconsider any planned events
There are no obligations to cancel or postpone events, celebrations, or sporting fixtures. However, you may want to consider doing so for any planned events within the mourning period as a mark of respect.
This is at the discretion of individual companies however it is advisable to check with venues on their planned actions as some venues may choose to close, particularly on the day of the State Funeral.
5. Contact suppliers
Contact suppliers to check if there are any expected changes to their business operations or any likely delays in the delivery of goods or services so that you can plan accordingly.
6. Lower flags to half-mast
If you or your business display flags on your premises, these should be lowered to half-mast during the mourning period. Further official guidance on flag flying is available online.
Where can I access further information?
A guide for the public and businesses has been published online.
Further official updates including details of the State Funeral will be made available on the UK Government website at GOV.co.uk and the official website for the Royal Family at Royal.uk.
At the FMB, we are also working with the Construction Leadership Council to produce further detailed guidance for employers in the construction industry. Once available, this information will be shared on our website and with FMB members.
If you have any further questions our membership team is available on 0330 333 7777 or email at [email protected].