Source claims staff were told the news last week

Carillion has become the latest main contractor to close its piling business, putting up to 65 jobs at risk.

The move comes just months after fellow contractors May Gurney and Morgan Sindall shut their piling divisions. May Gurney’s division was later bought up by new firm GM Piling.

According to Carillion’s website, the company’s piling division can trace its roots back 150 years.

An industry source said Carillion’s piling staff were told the news last week.

The source said: “It’s very sad – I’ve got nothing but respect for the company. Geo-technics comes with some risk, which the main contractors don’t like. The reality is it’s very competitive [at the moment].”

Carillion was unavailabe for comment.