An email from Skanska London and South East Managing Director Steve Holbrook – seen by the Enquirer – has been sent to all staff on the project.

It states: “I am aware that some of you have been told by varying sources that Skanska won’t be delivering the project and this I am aware is creating uncertainty and in some cases unnecessary stress.”

Speculation is rife because Skanska has been working since 2015 on phase two of the job without a formal contract as costs continue to escalate on the £1bn+ deal to transform the main power station building.

Holbrook added: “Obviously the Client has a plan B.  We would expect this.

“We have a plan B with everything we do.  This is the nature of construction and risk management.

“Both Skanska and Battersea need to find a mutually agreeable Contract solution that caters for the needs of both parties to ensure a successful project.

“Whilst I realise the communications from unofficial sources are unsettling I confirm we are committed to working with Battersea to deliver this project.”

One source close to the project said: “They had to do something because the rumour mill is going into overdrive.

“It hasn’t helped that a few senior people from Mace have been seen on the job recently.”

A Skanska spokesperson said: “We are working closely with Battersea Power Station Development Company on delivering the next stage of the project.”