Small house builders’ workloads have declined due to the continued recession for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector.

The news comes as part of the latest Slate of Trade Survey from trade association the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Workloads in the SME construction sector have declined, according to the survey. 39% of respondents reported a decline in private new house building in the third quarter of 2012, while 40% predict further decline for the remaining quarter.

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Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "The FMB survey results show that the SME construction sector remains in deep trouble. This time last year we had hoped that we would be seeing at least some signs of recovery on the horizon by now. However, it is becoming clear that that this situation is not going to resolve itself any time soon.

"With the industry in such a fragile state the Government must think very carefully about introducing any new burdens on the house building sector. We want to help the Prime Minister achieve his goal of building more houses in Britain and so we are making the case that now is not the time to be pushing on with policies designed during the economic boom. Instead real progress is required on deregulation."

He added: "The announcement of a business bank is encouraging but the Government must ensure that funding is available for customers as well as the businesses themselves."

(IT)