The firms are cutting costs as budgeted revenues are ticked down for 2020 and 2021 across the industry.

Both Multiplex and Berkley are understood to be looking to cut numbers by as much as 200 staff each.

This would amount to cuts of over 10% of the total workforce, while John Sisk & Son’s redundancy programme will cut 50-60 roles, representing around 7% of the workforce.

A spokesperson for Multiplex said: “The impacts of Covid-19 have necessitated a review of our business operations and resourcing.

“Regrettably, this will mean a reduction of staff and we have commenced a consultation process with employees.“

Sisk’s staff consultation phase is beginning in the next few days.

The roles impacted are spread across the UK business units, the support functions and a number of disciplines.

The vast majority of the people impacted are currently on furlough and will be contacted directly.

Paul Brown, chief operating officer, for Sisk’s UK Construction and Civil Engineering business, said: “Although we are having to make these redundancies to safeguard the business going forward, we are confident that we can achieve our targets for 2021 and beyond.”

London’s Berkeley Group is the first major house builder to reveal redundancy plans, although it would not comment about them.

Up to 200 redundancies will be spread across its main operating brands and staff.

It has blamed a general slowdown in developing its pipeline of work due to coronavirus.

One source told the Enquirer: “Everybody will be watching Berkeley Homes closely, it has always been a first mover in the market.”