A campaign to save 250,000 construction sector jobs started in Birmingham has attracted the support of power tool giant DeWALT.

Spearheaded by building firm Rok, Repairing Britain is designed to boost the UK economy by stimulating the construction industry and encouraging the public and local authorities to take an interest in the maintenance of their homes and community buildings.

The campaign says up to 500,000 jobs could be lost in the current downturn. However, it is highlighting that refurbishment and improvement projects create many more jobs than new build schemes, require skilled tradesmen and are more sustainable.

Repairing Britain has devised a five-point plan that the public can follow to support the industry, their local community and the economy:

n Look around your community for disused buildings and those in poor repair and tell your council about them.

n Ask your council to agree to use local builders for refurbishment contracts and schemes under £10,000.

n Encourage local business owners to keep their buildings in good condition and energy efficient.

n Look at your own home to see what you can do to make it more energy efficient, or what maintenance jobs can be done now to prevent problems in future.

n Sign the group’s petition, which will be sent to Downing Street, for a reduction in VAT on repair work to five per cent.

Richard Mallinson, marketing manager of Berkshire-based DeWALT, said: “The strength of the residential and commercial construction sectors is a key driver within our business.

“DeWALT, therefore, recognises and support the positive steps that the Repairing Britain campaign is taking to help the look and feel of local communities and to protect and create jobs within the construction industry.”

Garvis Snook, who is spearheading Repairing Britain and is also chief executive of Rok, said: “DeWALT is a globally-renowned name in the construction sector and a respected commentator on the issues affecting the industry.

“They are part of a supply chain that requires an active construction sector, which can be achieved if the plans set out by Repairing Britain are followed.”