A trading statement to the City today, covering the final quarter of its financial year ahead of its full year results in June, said: “We are pleased to report that the positive momentum in our UK business has been maintained.

“Headcount has continued to grow and we expect to report an improved margin in the second half.

“We see a number of future growth opportunities in the UK including electrification of the rail network, airport development and aerospace.”

The deal to sell its highways services division to Skanska is due to be completed by May 31.

The sale will see 1,200 people transfer across to Skanska.

Atkins said it will “incur exceptional transaction fees and restructuring costs of around £4m in this financial year as we realign our overhead base to reflect the removal of this business.”

But “these costs will be more than offset by a profit on sale of around £15m that will be reported on completion of the transaction in the next financial year.”