The number of civil engineering projects starting in April increased by 20% on the previous year, according to  figures from the Glenigan construction index.

Adrian Davies, business development director at multi-sector recruiter Acorn, told Recruiter the company had increased the number of on-site personnel over the past six months.

“Civil engineering recruitment is much more positive compared to six months ago. A lot of work that had been put on hold now has funding.”

However, the overall number of on-site construction projects starting last month dropped by 35% on the previous year.

Allan Wilén, economics director at Glenigan, says: “Residential construction projects are expected to deteriorate further over the next two quarters. Prospects for non-residential projects are mixed and the outlook for civil engineering is expected to be positive throughout 2009.”

The report added “significant falls were also seen in the value of starts in the health, education and community and amenity sectors”.