The firm blamed the ongoing downturn in the domestic construction market which sees its Oxford office close and Cardiff and Edinburgh operations downsized.

Ramboll acquired Gifford last year and former Gifford chief executive Steve Canadine has now been confirmed as new managing director of Ramboll.

He succeeds Charles McBeath who is stepping down from the company.

Canadine said: “I look forward to leading Ramboll in the UK as we enter an exciting new phase.

“We have great teams across a diverse range of disciplines and a fantastic reputation for innovation, design and delivery.  I’m confident that we can continue to build upon our position as a leading engineering, design and consultancy.”