A trading update to the City today also predicted flat prices during the start of next year.

The company said: “The UK brick market has been experiencing falling output and a small increase in despatch volumes as manufacturers respond to market demand.

“The Group’s ability to make the previously expected pricing gains in the second half has been impacted by average selling prices not rising to the levels anticipated and increased competition.

“Falling average selling prices across the market in 2016 suggest there will be little or no recovery in prices at the start of 2017.”

The move means Michelmersh now believes revenue and profit for this year “will be at or around a similar level to that report for the full year 2015.”