Overall total output remained flat as a modest 0.6% increase in repair and maintenance work helped to offset the new work fall.

The fall in output was also attributed to a wetter-than-average November causing more difficult working conditions.

Returns for the office of National Statistics Monthly Business Survey for Construction and allied trades (MBS) suggested that more businesses are starting to raise concerns about client delaying or cancelling work than in previous months.

Over the last three months, construction output was up 0.3% from growth in new work (1.3%) as repair and maintenance saw a decrease (1.2% fall).

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at procurement body SCAPE,  said: “Sustained levels of construction output in late Autumn is welcome news but shouldn’t distract from the issues that contractors are currently facing – namely a recession caused by persistent cost pressures linked to inflation, labour, and materials supply.

“SMEs, which are the backbone of the construction industry, are particularly exposed to these challenges.

“Close engagement across the supply chain will be essential if the industry is to demonstrate resilience, and maintain a level of momentum across both public and private development throughout 2023.”