A HOUSEBUILDER based in Kidlington is closing its construction sites and will place staff on furlough leave.

Pye Homes, which was bought by Blenheim Estate last month, will halt building works today in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

It comes after concerns were raised across the industry about the safety of construction workers, many of whom say they are still working in close proximity to colleagues on site.

READ AGAIN: 'I don't feel safe anymore', says construction worker on West Way site

Some staff at Pye will be furloughed, but a small team will continue to carry out critical safety work and maintenance.

Pye Homes’ managing director, Graham Flint, said: “This is obviously an extremely worrying and disruptive time for people everywhere.

“By shutting down our building sites temporarily we will help to protect our staff and sub-contractors and prevent any additional, unnecessary strain on the NHS.”

The company formed in 1927 and has built developments in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties.

All of its customer lounges and show homes had already been shut down.

ALSO READ: Bicester Village staff 'left in tears over company's handling of virus'

Mr Flint said: “Coronavirus poses one of the biggest threats the country has had to face in recent times and the decision to close our sites until the danger passes was the only responsible course of action.

“I am so proud of the amazing team of people we have here at Pye Homes and we are doing everything we can to try to ensure this closure lasts for as short a time as possible.”

Blenheim Estate is the property and development arm of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.

The visitor attraction is also putting most staff on furlough leave from April 1, meaning they will not be working and will not be paid in full.

The government has agreed to pay 80 per cent of wages for workers on furlough, up to £2,500 per month.