The survey revealed signs of a sustained recovery in Q4 of 2020. This follows a significant rebound in the previous quarter, which also saw workloads and order books on an upwards trend.

More than half of contractors reported workloads had increased in Scotland, with contractors across Great Britain as a whole, also reporting rising workloads, following two quarters of decline. Order books are also picking up, with two-thirds of Scottish contractors reporting an increase.

Scottish contractors also reported employment rising for all types of worker, with employment balances hitting a five year high and outlook and expectations for the future upbeat. Over half of Scotland’s contractors (a near seven year high) expected employment of operatives to increase over the coming year.

Commenting on the findings, CECA Scotland’s chief executive, Grahame Barn, said: “Our latest Workload Trends Survey builds on the positive news last quarter and gives us hope that the green shoots of recovery are now firmly embedded. We are cautiously optimistic that 2021 will see workloads continue to rise, which is great news for all in the sector and will help us rebuild the industry and shape Scotland’s post-COVID-19 recovery.”