Michael Levack, chief executive of Scottish Building Federation is calling for government help in restoring industry morale after it was revealed that 60% of construction firms are concerned about the impact of a faltering economy on their businesses.

A survey by the SBF of 98 companies found that six out of 10 construction firms are slightly or much less confident about the economic prospects facing their business over the next 12 months, compared to the previous year. Some 8% are more confident, with the balance seeing no change.

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The findings - which reflect the recent downturn in the housebuilding sector and slowdown in public sector infrastructure projects as the Scottish Government implements the Scottish Futures Trust, a replacement for public private partnerships - come from a new quarterly business confidence survey the federation is to begin publishing.

Mr Michael Levack said: "The Government should be proactive by kick-starting investment in the public sector and ending unnecessary planning delays. They should end the uncertainty over the Scottish Futures Trust by bringing forward new school and hospital building projects. This would send a strong message to the trade and help build the confidence employers need to invest in apprenticeships and skills."

However, he highlighted reasons for builders to remain optimistic, adding: "Major projects like the Forth Crossing, the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Government target of 35,000 new homes offer opportunities for Scottish firms."

(GK/JM)