Taylor Wimpey is ceasing all work at its construction sites. 

Large-scale construction is still allowed under the government shutdown rules. 

But in a note to the board and employees this afternoon, the company said: "The health and safety and wellbeing of our employees, subcontractors and customers is our number one priority.

"We are doing all we can to support them during this unprecedented crisis; to help prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure they stay safe and are following the latest Government and Public Health guidance. In the interest of customer and employee safety, we have taken the decision to close all of our show homes, sales centres, and construction sites for all work except that needed to make the sites safe and secure."