UK's Persimmon starts orderly shutdown of construction sites

British housebuilder Persimmon said on Wednesday it was starting an orderly shutdown of its construction sites with only essential work taking place in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The company also said all of its sales offices would close from Thursday, and it would cancel the dividend of 125 pence a share due to be paid on April 2 and postpone the payment of 110 pence a share on July 6 to conserve cash.