Figures compiled by accountant PwC highlight the horrific toll of the economic downturn on the industry with more than 50 companies a week going to the wall.
The statistics show 2,527 construction companies went bust in 2010 and another 2,688 last year.
Jonathan Hook, head of engineering & construction at PwC said: “2011 was another tough year for the construction sector and there were 6% more insolvencies in the sector in 2011 than 2010.
“Over the last two years we have lost more than 5,000 companies and the trend shows no sign of abating.”