The state of the construction industry for small builders is getting worse, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to data from its latest State of Trades survey of member's workloads for the third quarter of 2009.
The workload for the building sector over the last three months as a whole deteriorated with 50% of FMB firms reporting falling workloads with the industrial sector being hardest hit. The fall in workload is mirrored by a fall in confidence with 36% of firms expecting their workloads to decline over the next three months to the end of 2009. The only glimmer of hope is the fact that 15 % of FMB firms reported that they had actually increased their workload over the last three months.
Richard Diment, Director General of the FMB said: "The worst of the recession is far from over for thousands of small building firms. Despite speculation concerning a possible recovery in the general economy, it remains clear that construction has still to hit rock bottom and that any recovery in this sector is still quite some way away. Government measures to kick start the economy are still not reaching small building companies which are pleading for more direct help.
"It is also interesting to note that calls to our Research and Information Department are down 17% overall, possibly due to lower workloads and less technical advice being required as a result. However, calls relating to debt recovery, legal advice and wages have increased by as much as 29%. The FMB has received more calls asking for help with recovering debt from clients who are unwilling or unable to pay. There has also been a marked increase in calls for advice on reducing staff hours rather than laying off staff or making them redundant which most employment calls were concerned with in quarter two."
Specialist builders are faring better than general builders in the recession. Around 17% of specialist builders reported that their workforce had actually increased over the last three months compared to 14% for general builders. Specialist builders are also more optimistic than general builders regarding employment over the next three months with 19% anticipating higher staffing levels and 58% predicting no change. This compares to 16% and 51% respectively for general builders.
Mr Diment added: "Getting the banks to lend again is now critical if the building industry is not to grind to a halt. What this recession shows is that those with specialist skills in the construction sector are best able to survive which is why it is so critical that the Government does all it can to help retain our skills base if the UK is to enjoy a sustained recovery and not repeat the mistake of the last recession in the early 1990s when more than 500,000 jobs were lost in construction and not replaced."
(CD/GK)
Construction News
15/10/2009
Road to Economic Recovery Getting Worse For Builders, Warns FMB
.gif)

08/07/2025
Morgan Sindall Construction has announced the successful completion of the main building phase for the King Henry VIII 3-19 School redevelopment in Abergavenny, a transformative £62.5 million project delivered via the SEWSCAP framework. A celebration was held to mark the handover of the new building

08/07/2025
The government has today confirmed funding for over 50 road and rail infrastructure upgrades. These projects, which include long-awaited schemes such as the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route and the Portishead to Bristol city centre rail line, are anticipated to provide a substantial boost to the con

08/07/2025
The shortlist for the 2025 Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards has been unveiled by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to champion the significant contributions of women across the industry, aiming to make female role

08/07/2025
Watts Group, a prominent property and construction consultancy, has today published the 30th edition of its widely respected 'Watts Pocket Handbook', marking nearly a decade since its previous release.
Recognised as a vital resource for professionals across the built environment, this latest editi

08/07/2025
A team of staff from Leeds College of Building (LCB) recently made their debut at 'The Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025'. The annual event, held on Friday, 27 June 2025, at Newark Showground, serves as a key platform to promote the crucial importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion (E

08/07/2025
Dan McGrail has been officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer of Great British Energy, the UK's publicly-owned clean power company.
His appointment aims to accelerate the government's Plan for Change, with a core mission to establish the UK as a clean energy superpower. Mr McG

08/07/2025
Understanding Custom Rubber Diaphragms
Custom rubber diaphragms are essential components in various industrial applications, playing a crucial role in enhancing performance and efficiency. As a manufacturer specialising in these versatile components, we've witnessed firsthand the impact th

08/07/2025
Modular tiles are among the most popular option for flooring at the minute. These bring character and sophistication through their layout. Most frequently these are made from porcelain which makes them multifunctional and highly durable. Modular tiles are suitable for old and new properties and are

07/07/2025
Travelodge has officially broken ground on a new 100-room hotel in Loughton, marking the latest addition to the UK's first budget hotel brand's expanding portfolio.
The company, which operates more than 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, is aiming to meet growing demand for affordable ac

07/07/2025
Oldham Council has officially unveiled Snipe Gardens, a newly created green space and pedestrian gateway designed to provide a welcoming entrance into the town centre.
Situated on the site of the former Snipe Inn pub, the new landscaped area links Oldham bus station with Henshaw Street. As one of t