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The Federation of Master Builders' Third Quarter State of Trade Survey for 1997 reveals a significant rise in the number of firms reporting increased workload. Output overall is also growing. The repair and maintenance market, the core of FMB members' work, is particularly healthy.
Brian Tierney, FMB's National President, said:
"There is now positive evidence of a sustained recovery. Nevertheless, underlying anxieties remain about the ability to obtain economic prices. Fierce competition still exists and sadly those operating the underground economy continue to have a bad effect on bona fide firms. The growth of the illicit economy is unbridled and FMB is actively pursuing possible remedies with appropriate Ministers."
Mr. Ian Davis, FMB's Director General, added:
"The level of reported workload is encouraging but the survey highlights an inherent skills shortage which could get worse. FMB is urgently addressing this problem but training requires major investment. Efforts are being made to deliver the Government's 'Welfare to Work' proposals but the real emphasis needs to be put on encouraging school leavers to join the industry. If this does not happen quickly then overheating in the economy of the construction industry will occur."
Further information
For further information on the subject of this article, please contact:
Brian Flint
Tel: 020 7242 7583
Last modified: 04 February 1999.
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Mr Brian Tierney
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