The fall was led by a 1% drop in new work, mainly from private housing new work, down 3% and commercial down 1.8%.

Compared with the same month last year all new housing is now down 6.1%, while commercial build is up 7.5% and industrial up 13% to its highest level on record.

Clive Docwra, managing director of property and construction consultancy McBains, said: “After last month’s figures fuelled hopes of green shoots of recovery, today’s statistics will come as a blow to the construction sector. 

“Particularly disappointing was that the fall was as a result of a decrease in new work, suggesting that confidence remains low among many big investors. 

“It’s little surprise that private housing continues to struggle, and with falling house prices and low mortgage approval rates it will take some months before volume housebuilding shows a turnaround.”