Construction output sees a decrease as the focus shifts to maintaining existing buildings, rather than commissioning new work
According to the latest ONS figures for November 2023, the 0.6% decrease in construction output was derived from a decrease in new work of 3.6%.
This was despite repair and maintenance works rising by 3.8% in the same three month period to November 2023.
November 2023 was a difficult month for UK construction output
Anecdotal evidence suggested poor weather was the main driver behind the fall in output, with stormy conditions delaying planned work.
Monthly construction output decreased by 0.2% in volume terms, with the monthly value in level terms in November 2023 at £15,571 million.
The decrease in monthly output came solely from a decrease in new work (2.0% fall), as repair and maintenance increased by (2.1%).
At the sector level, three out of the nine sectors saw a fall in November 2023, with the main contributors to the monthly decrease seen in private new housing and infrastructure new work, which decreased 3.9% and 2.0%, respectively.
A brighter future may be ahead- if struggling businesses can persevere
Fraser Johns, finance director at Beard, said: “As we have seen throughout the year, November’s snapshot highlights the ongoing theme of clients prioritising improvements to existing building stock, rather than committing to new projects. Tighter access to credit, as well as tougher borrowing conditions are certainly contributing factors, while general uncertainty and a lack of confidence in the current climate is also having an impact. Given the turbulent weather seen too, it certainly makes sense to see construction output dampen in November.
“With the pressures facing the housebuilding sector, with demand drying up in a higher interest environment, it’s not a surprise to see the sector hampering overall output once again. What is more surprising is to see weaker demand for infrastructure new work. On the ground at Beard, infrastructure work, as well as commercial construction, remains strong avenues for new work, with high demand from frameworks continuing to drive our pipeline.
“As seen earlier this month with later data from CIPS PMI, the outlook of the sector and general sentiment does seem to improve as more positive indicators for the year ahead become more apparent. That is of course little solace for those firms finding conditions very difficult now. As ever, we just need to keep our clients close and help in the process of building back their confidence.”
