Hudson Contract said average weekly pay rose by 1.2% during November to £901, the highest level since February.

The best-performing regions for earnings growth were the North East (up 8.4%), London (up 6.8%) and the South West (up 5.3%).

Ian Anfield, managing director of Hudson, said: “The recovery in earnings for tradespeople is welcome news for households in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year.

“It was business as usual for most construction firms last month as they continued to operate through the lockdown.

“Skilled workers who want to work are working. Others are staying at home and claiming the government’s self-employment income support scheme.

“Most of our clients are reporting a decent amount of activity and have already secured projects for next year.”

He added: “The housebuilding sector remains buoyant with support measures due to continue into the first quarter of 2021 and the government is committed to new infrastructure spending.”