UK: construction output at lowest level for more than 10 years

The latest construction output figures from ONS published on Friday show that output in 3Q has fallen for the fifth consecutive quarter, with falls being experienced across almost every sector of the industry. Output is now at its lowest level since the second quarter of 1999.

Overall, construction output in the third quarter of 2012 was 2.6 per cent lower than in the preceding quarter and 11.3 per cent lower than it was one year ago.

Commenting on these latest figures, Noble Francis, Economics Director at the Construction Products Association said:  “The sharp impacts of public sector cuts can be seen clearly, with public housing output 18.7 per cent lower than one year ago and public non-housing output, which is mainly education and health work, 19.7 per cent lower than one year ago.

“Worryingly the private sector, which it was hoped would offset these falls and lead the construction recovery, is now also falling sharply, with the private commercial sector, the largest construction sector, 17.4 per cent lower than it was one year ago.

“Despite an array of recent government announcements, focusing on infrastructure and private housing, very little of this has yet translated into actual work on the ground.

“Private housing output in the third quarter was 10.6 per cent lower than one year ago and infrastructure output in the sane quarter was 11.3 per cent lower than a year ago.’