Private housing decreased by 22% against the preceding three months and weakened by 24% compared with the previous year.

Social housing work starting on site performed poorly, falling 43% against the preceding three months and 40% against the previous year.

Project-starts and detailed planning approvals fell against the previous quarter and last year.

More positively, main contract awards grew on the previous quarter.

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Totalling £9.82bn, residential work commencing on-site during the three months to March fell 6% against the preceding three months to stand 24% down on a year ago. 

Major starts (£100m or more in value), at £2.5bn, decreased 25% against the preceding three months and were 12% down compared with the previous year.

However, residential main contract awards increased 11% against the preceding three months to stand 29% down compared with the previous year to total £13.6bn.

Commenting on the findings, Glenigan’s economist, Drilon Baca, said: “The latest data shows a weak start to the year.

“Continuing economic uncertainty continues to deter private sector investment.”