Two in three brickies to go bust by June due to coronavirus lockdown unless Government steps in
Small firms are facing site closures and supply problems while still having to pay overheads such as machinery hire.
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It comes amid problems in accessing emergency State support.
Only four per cent of small and medium-sized construction firms have successfully applying for a coronavirus loan, says a survey of Federation of Master Builders members.
Another 86 per cent have yet to hear back from banks.
Two-thirds say the Treasury’s wage bailouts are too small to help them.
Only one in 20 has had business rates relief. Most do not qualify as they do not own premises.
CASH RUNNING OUT
The problems have left 65 per cent with only enough cash to last until June.
Almost a quarter face the end within four weeks.
The FSB is urging Chancellor Rishi Sunak to offer cash grants not linked to the business rates system.
Boss Brian Berry said: “If the Government doesn’t act, coronavirus will wipe out thousands of small building companies.
Builders are suffering because work has stopped, through no fault of their own, but bills are still landing on their doormats.
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“They urgently need more money in the bank to get through lockdown.”
The FSB said builders in Scotland and Wales have access to cash grants.
Some European countries have issued far more loans — 150,000 in France compared to 6,000 in Britain.
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