The National Federation of Builders (NFB) is calling for the UK Government to work towards reassuring construction SMEs and contractors over its Brexit proposals.

With fewer than 300 days left until the UK leaves the EU, as well as three weeks until the June European Council summit, the NFB has raised concerns over the Government's lack of clarity about its vision of a future relationship with Europe.

The organisation said the Government's 'backstop' solution on the Irish border is likely to clash with the EU's stance on the issue, aimed at making the backstop a more permanent solution in an effort to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement.

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And with 87% of contractors reporting increasing material costs throughout the first three months of 2018, coupled with a depreciating pound sterling, Chief Executive Richard Beresford said MPs and cabinet ministers "need to stop fighting the EU referendum and come together to work out a cross-party approach to Brexit".

"Currently 77% of products consumed in UK construction are already made in the UK, with some of our most exported products also being the most imported," he said.

"Therefore, it is crucial that we invest in the capacity of those industries. MPs and cabinet ministers need to stop fighting the EU referendum and come together to work out a cross-party approach to Brexit. SMEs and regional contractors across the construction industry need consistency and certainty if they are to grow and succeed after we leave the EU."

(LM/MH)