Month in numbers

0 The amount of profit some contractors can expect to make after slashing project tender prices in a bid to win work. Property agent King Sturge said it had received tender prices for some projects 10-15% lower than clients had estimated.

10 The number of contractors named in the OFT’s cover pricing investigation that have either been liquidated or gone into administration. The Construction Confederation warns that the high fines expected to be given to the remaining 102 accused firms could send more under.

10 The percentage pay cut Irish contractors are trying to impose on more than 200,000 workers. The firms are in negotiations with unions to accept the pay cut in a bid to prevent lay-offs.

30 The percentage of foreign workers to be employed on the Olympic site, according to figures from the Olympic Delivery Authority.

213 The number of jobs plant hire firm Hewden will cut as it closes or merges 22 of its 102 depots.

1bn The amount, in pounds, the government claims the industry could save after a reform of the Construction Act improves payment mechanisms. But legal experts claim the figures don’t stack up.

1.2bn The value, in pounds, of UK shopping centres being delayed by Westfield due to the recession.