The latest quarterly Workload Trends Survey for 2025 Q3 released by Trade body CECA found that workloads moved to -1% on balance – the first negative reading since 2020 bringing an end to an  extended period of growth.

Activity remained resilient in renewable and non-renewable electricity, nuclear-related work, and water and  sewerage.

But the largest negative balances were recorded in railways, motorways/trunk roads, and preliminary  works. Order books still showed growth overall, but at just +5% on balance, their weakest level since 2020.

Ben Goodwin, CECA Director of Policy & Public Affairs, said: “After a long run of growth, it is concerning  to see workloads tip marginally into negative territory, alongside order books being at their weakest level since 2020.

“The underlying message from CECA members is not that demand has disappeared – it’s that delivery is becoming less  consistent, particularly in transport, and that uncertainty is starting to bite.

“The  UK Government’s priority for 2026 must be translating its intent into pace and certainty on the ground: clearer  commitments, faster decisions, realistic procurement timetables, and a stronger focus on deliverability.

“Contractors are also still contending with elevated costs and continued shortages in key roles. If we want to  accelerate delivery, we need a pipeline that is not only ambitious, but credible, funded, and structured in a way that  makes it investable – for clients, for the supply chain, and for the workforce.

“Despite these headwinds, sentiment looking ahead remains resilient. A clear majority of firms expect workloads and  new orders to rise over the next 12 months, and contractors continued to increase employment – underlining that the  sector is ready to deliver, provided there is a stable flow of well-prepared, properly funded projects coming forward  to market.

“The first fall in workloads since the pandemic should concentrate minds across all levels of government in the UK.

“CECA stands ready to work with our members, clients, and all relevant stakeholders to make sure these results are a  temporary setback, rather than the beginning of a worrying trend for the UK economy.”