Contractors are experiencing a significant slowdown in workload relating to strategic and local roads, according to the Civil Engineering Contractors’ Association’s latest survey.

The overall total workload balance – the difference between the number of contractors reporting higher workload compared with the number reporting lower workload – among CECA’s members was –18% in July, down from +38% in July 2007.

Scotland is the only region to report a positive balance at 17%, reflecting the robust programme of public works currently under way. England saw a slump from +45% in July last year to –22% this year.

Workload balance for strategic roads and local roads was –21% and –19% respectively, with preliminary works at –38% compared with +37% last year.

Contractors also see a gloomier horizon than before, with trends in the coming 12 months in workload, new orders and repair and maintenance orders all expected to drop sharply, the survey warns.

Rosemary Beales, director of CECA National, said: ‘Smaller contractors have continued to struggle, and it remains a worrying trend. Of fresh and equal concern is the drop in workload for the larger contractors, reflected in the difference between the July survey and the previous two quarters.’