The Enquirer understands that some of the biggest names in the contracting world have decided to now use only UK and European sourced rebar.

The move follows independent tests earlier this year which showed that some batches of Chinese rebar were not compliant with British standards.

The Enquirer has seen further test results from this month showing another batch of Chinese rebar failing to meet British standards.

One industry source said: “Fears have been growing for months now over Chinese rebar and it seems the major contractors are now acting.

“I’m sure they’ve come under pressure from clients who don’t want any doubts over the structural integrity of their buildings.”

Reinforcing steel used in the UK is certified under the CARES scheme.

CARES currently approves more than 242 steel reinforcing bar suppliers from all over the world including China.

Spokesman Ben Bowsher said: “One cannot denigrate the steel coming from an entire nation.

“CARES awards certification according to individual company and manufacturing sites and it is vital that individual companies are held responsible for their own quality.”

A CARES statement added: “There has been panic spread about the compliance of reinforcing steel to BS 4449, manufactured in China, and imported into the UK.

“To date, despite much investigation by CARES, no evidence has been found to indicate that the physical product placed on the market did not comply with the product standard, BS 4449 2005.”