Ahead of the chancellor’s Autumn Budget this week, the construction sector is looking for stability and clarity  - according to a new report from multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard.

Collecting data from professionals across the industry to uncover how the sector is reacting to cost pressures, policy uncertainty, skills shortages and evolving regulation, data has found 59% of respondents describe the construction industry as static.

Uncertainty around investment, planning reform and public spending has cooled confidence with Pick Everard saying industry is “holding its breath” waiting for clarity before committing to new stars or unlocking delayed capital projects.

Rachel Reeves will make her Budget announcement on Wednesday (26 November) presenting the government’s plans for the economy, including changes to taxation and spending.

Pick Everard's new report, Pre-Autumn Budget Construction Market Insight, said a significant share of respondents reported projects paused pending the Autumn Budget, with 35% saying some are under review and 31% saying several projects are on hold.

More than half (52%) of respondents also expect headcount and turnover to hold steady, signalling that the industry is not expecting significant growth but neither are they expecting recession.

The report also found 92% of respondents expect tender prices to increase over the next 12 months, with most anticipating a 1-6% rise.

But on a positive note, more than half of the respondents feel confident about their organisation’s outlook, with 44% confident, 8% very confident and 29% taking a neutral stance.

And in terms of announcements that could improve construction demand Pick Everard found several key areas including additional personnel to clear the Gateway 2 backlog, more public spending on education and healthcare, more capital expenditure on housing, schools, road and rail and pro-growth tax policies aimed at improving business confidence and supporting investment.

Gavin Mason, operations director at Pick Everard, said: “Ahead of the latest Autumn Budget scheduled, it appears the construction industry is looking forward to it more than the chancellor.

“Our latest survey shows a surprisingly upbeat outlook across the construction sector, with 81% expressing either positive or neutral expectations for business in 2026.

"As always, the data tells a variety of stories. Developers are notably less confident than consultants, clients, or contractors in their forecasts for 2026, citing the effects of taxation and end-user demand for new space as their primary concerns.

“When we asked respondents to offer a few words of advice for the chancellor, the opportunity wasn't missed, demonstrating an industry keen to help the government improve the performance of the sector.”

Click here to read the full report.

Meanwhile, Amey has also urged UK government to prioritise long-term infrastructure certainty and investment in the Autumn Budget 2025, having submitted its response to HM Treasury.

As a provider of full life-cycle engineering, with a UK workforce of 12,000, Amey believes the Autumn Budget 2025 must go further by placing infrastructure investment at its core, providing the clarity and confidence needed to unlock private capital, accelerate delivery and ensure stability across the sector.

It has called on government to:

• Provide long-term certainty for infrastructure projects. While the government’s digital pipeline tool is a positive step, Amey urges further commitment to a stable, prioritised pipeline, with early funding commitments to avoid damaging stop-start investment cycles. This is essential to retain critical skills and support a future-ready workforce.
• Recognise the need to invest in maintenance and renewal of existing assets. Proper investment in maintenance and renewal is a cost-effective way to ensure resilience and fitness for the future. Increased investment in asset management delivers benefits more quickly and efficiently than new capital works, supporting economic growth and reliability.
• Unlock the power of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to accelerate infrastructure delivery and economic growth. Clear, consistent policies and incentives are needed to attract private investment and empower local authorities.
• Provide a clear timetable for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) and accelerate the release of funding for major projects. Investment in the North is vital to improve connectivity, drive regional economic growth, and address inequalities.
• Support investment in green technology and climate-secure infrastructure. The government must prioritise climate-resilient assets and innovation in green technology to ensure the UK is prepared for future challenges and delivers on net zZero commitments.

Andy Milner, CEO for Amey, said: “Infrastructure is the foundation of a thriving, resilient economy, and the Autumn Budget is a pivotal moment to provide the clarity and confidence our sector needs.

“Long-term investment, backed by a clear pipeline and empowered partnerships, will unlock growth, accelerate decarbonisation, and deliver real value for communities across the UK. We welcome the government’s continued commitment to major projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail, but now is the time to go further, by accelerating funding, reforming planning, and enabling the private sector to play its full role in delivery.

“Amey stands ready to work in close partnership with government and local authorities to deliver the infrastructure that underpins a stronger, greener, and more connected future for the UK.”