Twenty modular specialists face a fight to retain places on the Government’s next-generation modular building framework for schools and healthcare jobs.

NHS Shared Business Services has today invited bids for the new framework due to come into force next summer.

Since the existing framework was launched 9 firms have dropped out or collapsed from the original 29 companies selected.

The rebooted framework has been expanded to cover new sectors, raising by £1bn the expected workload over the next four years to £2.6bn.

The lotting structure for the NHS SBS, which includes local authorities, will also see the introduction of residential, while a specialised kitchen lot is dropped.

The new arrangement will come into force when the existing deal expires in 2025.

Applications need to be returned by 8 November with further detail found on the portal.