The UK Government's policy on renewable energy will cause the Scottish civil engineering sector to "fall off a cliff", according to the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA).

The organisation added a "near collapse of ongoing work" will occur if the current approach to the industry is not changed.

It is estimated there is over £300 million worth of civil engineering activity per annum in the Scottish renewables sector, which employs over 3,000 people and supports more than 11,000 jobs.

In addition, Scottish Government research has shown power generated by renewable methods could power every household in the country.

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CECA Chief Executive Alasdair Reisner said: "CECA has long argued that the UK Government must commit to a long-term energy strategy based on a diverse energy mix that does not deter badly-needed investment to enable a safe and secure energy supply.

"The UK Government's policy of removing support for the renewables sector is extremely disappointing, as the sector had been making substantial progress towards cost efficiency during the lifetime of this Parliament.

"Policy changes to date will lead to substantial job losses within the industry and its supply chains. If those skills are lost, the challenge of rapidly reskilling the sector will be extremely costly.

"We call on the UK Government to reassess its approach to the renewables sector, adopt an evidence-based approach to renewables policy, and recognise the role it must play in providing the diverse energy portfolio the country needs."

(LM/JP)