The latest Civil Engineering Contractors Association workload survey has found the worst trading conditions ever recorded

CECA’s quarterly survey of 84 of its 350 member companies found that 78% reported falls in workload during the last three months of 2009.

Across the industry only the railway and harbours sectors showed positive trends, despite the promised fiscal stimulus from the government.

Rosemary Beales, CECA’s national director, said: “It is vital that the private and public sector work together to address these issues, releasing the brake that will otherwise stifle the UK’s return to growth.”

The survey also found that firms remain pessimistic with 93% expecting their workloads to be as low or lower in 12 months.