Industry experts are warning about potential long-term materials supply problems as the current market remains “stagnant”.

The Construction Leadership Council’s Material Supply Chain Group painted a bleak picture in its latest update.

The group said sales in the third quarter were flat or declining compared to 2024 and the market “remains one of the most challenging trading environments in over ten years.”

The lack of demand has seen many materials firms stop hiring new staff or upskilling existing workers.

The group said: “There is therefore a genuine risk of a loss in both capacity and workforce that will lead to a more pronounced shortage in the medium-term, just when a recovering market can least afford it.”