SMALLER builders in the UK saw rising workloads in the second quarter of 2018, despite continuing concerns about skill shortages and increasing costs, studies show.

Indeed, workloads grew at a faster rate than they did in the first quarter of 2018 and the construction SME sector has now enjoyed more than five years of consecutive quarterly growth.

The survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) also shows that 76 per cent of builders reported increasing material prices in the second quarter 2018.

It found some 65 per cent are struggling to hire bricklayers and 60 per cent are struggling to hire carpenters and joiners.

But the outlook is positive with more than half, some 54 per cent, of construction SMEs expecting salaries and wages to increase over the next six months.

“The second quarter of 2018 proved to be a positive one for the UK’s builders,” said Brian Berry, FMB chief executive.

“Our latest research shows that firms enjoyed stronger growth in workloads than they did in the first three months of this year. Pleasingly, the construction SME sector has now enjoyed more than five years of consecutive growth.

“Furthermore, employment rose at a faster pace in the second three months of 2018 than it did in the first three months.

“Looking ahead, despite growing political uncertainty and Brexit now less than a year away, construction SMEs remain positive. Businesses are optimistic with nearly half of firms predicting rising activity levels over the next three months.”