Civil Engineering Contractors Association Reports Decline in Civils Workload Growth in England

What's Happening?

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) has reported a significant decline in civils workload growth in England, marking the first decrease since 2020. According to CECA's latest Workload Trends Survey, workload growth across the UK's civil engineering sector has slowed to its weakest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. In the second quarter of 2025, only 7% of firms experienced workload growth, a drop from 10% in the first quarter and a substantial fall from 28% in the same period last year. The survey highlights a 'two-speed industry,' with energy and utilities sectors buoyed by public investment, while core infrastructure sectors such as motorways, local roads, rail, communications, and airports remain stalled. CECA has called for renewed government action ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget to address inflation, supply chain disruptions, and skills shortages that threaten expansion.

Why It's Important?

The decline in civils workload growth is a critical issue for the UK's civil engineering sector, which plays a vital role in the country's infrastructure development and economic stability. The slowdown could impact the UK's ambitions for net zero, regional regeneration, and improved connectivity, as sustained investment and policy certainty are required to achieve these goals. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable to rising costs, and the lack of growth in core infrastructure sectors could stall economic expansion. The situation underscores the need for government intervention to stabilize the market and provide funding certainty, especially in stalled areas like local roads and rail. The creation of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and the government's 10-year infrastructure plan are positive steps, but they must be backed by concrete actions in the next Budget.

What's Next?

CECA has urged the government to focus on delivery and provide the industry with the confidence to invest in skills and training that match real-world needs. The upcoming Autumn Budget presents an opportunity for the government to address the challenges facing the civil engineering sector and support its growth. The industry is looking for funding certainty and progress on procurement reform to ensure that initiatives like NISTA and the 10-year infrastructure plan are effectively implemented. The government must also address inflation, supply chain disruptions, and skills shortages to prevent further declines in workload growth and support the sector's expansion.