Order books for the UK's infrastructure sector have fallen for the first time in four years, according to the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA).

In its recent Workload Trends Survey, the organisation revealed 9% of firms reported decreasing order books. In addition, growth in actual work on the ground declined from 11% to 8%, on balance.

With just 5% of firms predicting workloads to rise over the next 12 months, CECA Director of External Affairs Marie-Claude Hemming said the results indicate the sector is at risk of stagnating.

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"These results are extremely concerning. They show that not only is the rate of growth in infrastructure workloads currently sluggish, but that order books have moved into the red, indicating that the sector is at real risk of stagnation," she said.

"Unless action is taken, our sector runs the risk of falling into a recession at exactly the time that we need it to be driving growth in the economy.

"As the country prepares to go to the polls next month, we call on all parties to commit to the projects outlined in the National Infrastructure Delivery Plan, and ensure steps are taken to boost investment in all regions of England, Scotland and Wales."

(LM)