Salaries across the construction sector are rising sharply in the wake of labour shortages prompted by Brexit, according to new research.

Average salaries across the industry increased by 9% to £45,900 in the 12 months to the end of May as employers struggled to fill vital posts on construction sites, a study by specialist recruiter Randstand Construction, Property & Engineering (RCPE) has found.

The firm said its research suggested construction workers from overseas were reluctant to seek work in the UK, while one-third of European workers were considering leaving the country due to Brexit.