Having made a pre-tax loss of £1.15 billion in the first half of the year, the group is undertaking a strategic review with as much as £100 million being spent restructuring the business by the end of 2017.

Approaches for Carillion’s UK healthcare business have been received by “more than one credible counterparty”, the company said.

A Stock Exchange statement on Thursday afternoon said: “In view of media speculation about a possible sale of Carillion’s UK Healthcare business, the Board of Carillion confirms that, consistent with Carillion’s announcement on 29th September 2017, it has received proposals from more than one credible counterparty for a possible acquisition of that business.

“A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate.”