Councils have been urged to allow requests from contractors to work longer hours as they work to lay foundations for a relaunched construction industry.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick instructed councils not to block requests for extended hours, which are usually governed by planning permissions, unless there are "very compelling reasons".

He said sites should usually by allowed to remain working until 9pm except on Sundays and bank holidays when they remain empty - and he even floated the idea of round-the-clock working.

He said: "In some cases, such as in areas without residential properties, extending working hours beyond this, including allowing 24-hour working where appropriate, may be justified.

"Applications should only be refused where there are very compelling reasons such as significant impact on neighbouring business or uses which are particularly sensitive to noise, dust or vibration, which cannot be overcome through other mitigation, or where impacts on densely populated areas would be unreasonable.

"Councils should ensure decisions are issued quickly - with the aim of doing so within 10 working days."

The construction industry told the Government longer hours were necessary to enable them to maintain rates of productivity while following social distancing guidelines.