The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) has called on the Government to discuss Brexit plans with the industry.

Speaking today, 17 January, Prime Minister Theresa May spoke of creating a "phased approach" towards leaving the EU once the UK triggers Article 50.

Marie-Claude Hemming, Head of External Affairs for the CECA, welcomed the Government's intention to provide certainty on the UK's divorce form the EU.

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However, she added civils contractors' "top priority" is making sure Brexit "does not derail the delivery of the vital infrastructure that businesses and communities rely upon".

"Government must now move swiftly to consult with industry to ensure economic stability and continuity of workloads," she said.

"The Government has laudably committed to an ambitious infrastructure programme to drive growth in the UK economy.

"However, the ability of our members to deliver on these plans will be substantially impacted by any limitations on the availability of EU migrant workers.

"For industry to be able to deliver on the Government’s plans, the position of labour availability must be closely monitored, and processes put in place to respond quickly if skills gaps open up due to a lack of availability of skilled labour."

(LM)