Construction workloads plummet as jobs dry up

Construction workloads have fallen to their lowest in a decade, according to the latest survey by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Private new build is deteriorating “almost by the day”, with figures falling for the fourth quarter in a row to -34, the State of Trade survey shows.

More than 40% of those surveyed said their workloads had plummeted, while 36% expect work to dry up even more.

Social housing and industrial construction also fell heavily, with the public new build balance slumping from -11 in quarter one to -25 in quarter two.

Almost 20% of firms reported job losses and predict more will come.

However, those hiring say they are struggling to attract core trades such as bricklayers and plumbers.

FMB director of external affairs Brian Berry said: “What our survey shows is that builders are operating in an increasingly difficult market.

“The rapid downturn in the housebuilding sector is now making its mark on small builders with nearly 50% of our survey respondents saying that they expect their workloads to fall over the coming months.

“Employment has significantly decreased over the last quarter, which is a huge concern not only for the building industry but for the wider economy.”