Northern Ireland firms anticipate less work

Sixty per cent of construction companies in Northern Ireland expect less work this year after a challenging 2010.

A Construction Employers’ Federation survey found half of contractors were working at 50% capacity or less up to the third quarter of last year.

It called on government to increase the amount of money available for roads, schools and hospitals to help provide jobs.

CEF managing director John Armstrong said: “The severe downturn in construction has had an enormous knock-on effect on the wider economy.

“It is highly concerning to everyone interested in growing the local economy that a majority of construction companies are preparing for further reductions in workload during 2011.”