Civils contractors today said that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic had caused historic drops in workloads in 2020 Q2, but that industry is poised to drive the recovery in the months ahead.
Results from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Workload Trends Survey for 2020 Q2 found that workloads declined according to 43 per cent of British firms on balance, the lowest balance since 2011.
Eight out of ten sectors saw workloads decline, while order books fell for 32 per cent of firms, on balance. Fifteen per cent of firms on balance expect increased workloads in the next twelve months, as the UK Government seeks to launch its ‘infrastructure revolution’ and return the economy to growth.
Commenting, CECA Director of External Affairs Marie-Claude Hemming said: “These statistics cover the early stages of the pandemic, when disruption was at its highest and many sites closed to implement safe working procedures.
“They show the full impact of Covid-19 on the economy, but also the potential for the infrastructure sector to act as a driver of growth as we seek to secure the UK’s recovery.
“While it is perhaps surprising that just fifteen per cent of firms on balance are expecting increased workloads in the next year, we would expect as the UK Government rolls out its investments in infrastructure, it will work with industry to accelerate schemes and this outlook will improve.
“There is a substantial pipeline of work that must be brought forward to market as expeditiously as possible. We look forward to working with government at all levels to ensure every measure is taken to enable our members to deliver the schemes that will create jobs, boost growth, and benefit businesses and communities across all parts of the UK.”
< ENDS >
