Change in Workload and Order Books – Scotland

Our latest Workload Trends Survey, published today (13.2.19) has found that civils workloads have fallen for the fifth consecutive quarter in Scotland.

There appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel with conditions continuing to deteriorate in Q4 and outlook remaining gloomy.

Workloads are now at their lowest in nine years.

The survey also revealed that one in two contractors have supply issues with staff, with 44% struggling to recruit skilled operatives.  Almost all (96 per cent) reported a rise in costs.

With the spotlight on construction, as MSPs on the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee consider the future of the industry and in the week a Scottish Infrastructure Commissioners have been appointed to work on a long term plan for the sector, CECA Scotland Chief Executive, Grahame Barn said:

“With half of Scottish firms reporting a further decline in orders over the last quarter, there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel for Scotland’s civils contractors.

“Workloads have now declined for a staggering five quarters in a row. We now more than ever in these times of uncertainty, need to see concerted action from the Scottish and UK Government’s to support Scotland’s civils sector”.

“Investment in infrastructure is not only central to Scotland’s future economic prosperity, it transforms how we all live and work.

“As MSP’s consider the future of the Scottish construction sector, this ongoing workload crisis highlights the urgent need for change to secure its future and rightful place at the heart of Scotland’s economy”.

The full Workload Trends 2018 Q4 results for Scotland can be accessed here.

The GB wide results can be read here.