The latest quarterly data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed a 39.8% fall in private repair and maintenance in the three months to May 2020. These sharp effects of the coronavirus crisis on local builders reflect the picture painted by the FMB’s own recent State of Trade survey Q1 2020.
Jessica Levy, Director of Communications at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said: “Despite a healthy rebound in May driven mainly by new house building activity, construction output remains at historic lows, and the quarterly and annual trends paint a bleak picture. We need to both act now to reverse the huge falls resulting from the recent shock of the pandemic - especially in the domestic repair and maintenance sector - as well as focus on building back better.”
Levy concluded: “The construction sector welcomed short-term boosts like the Green Homes Grants and the £1,000 bonus to take on new trainees in construction. But we also need the Government to back a longer-term vision to sustain the much-needed recovery. This should include a temporary and targeted cut in VAT, a national retrofit strategy, and support to carefully match new recruits to the right construction firms.”
Notes to editors
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level.
The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of modern and relevant business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and offers a free Find a Builder service to consumers.
