ONS Construction Output data for March once again shows a significant decline in the performance of the construction industry, despite the positive overall growth seen by the wider UK economy, providing yet another reminder of the challenging economic situation faced by building firms, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, commented: “It is concerning to see another month of declining construction output with a drop of 0.4 percent. This is driven by declines in new work, and worryingly for small builders, repair and maintenance. This tops off a bad first quarter where the sector had decreased overall output; likely because of the bad weather. Hopefully, builders can now make the most of the warmer months and, with the economy climbing out of recession, we may see homeowners with a bit more cash to commit to new projects.”
Berry concluded: “To help boost the sector, the FMB has launched its own manifesto ‘Growth from the ground up’, which provides a positive plan to empower builders to turbocharge long-term, sustainable, economic growth. If the UK can boost local house building rates, tackle the ongoing skills crisis in construction, and support people to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes; it will go a long way in delivering the growth the Government claims to have prioritised.”
