Construction output in the UK declined in April for the third consecutive month, the Office for National Statistics found
Monthly construction output is estimated to have decreased by 1.4% in volume terms in April 2024.
This follows a 0.4% fall in March and a 1.9% fall in February.
The value of construction output in April 2024 was found to be £14,940m by the ONS.
Why has construction output fallen?
The fall in output in April was due to decreases in new work (-1.9%) and repair and maintenance (-0.8%), according to statistics released this morning.
Anecdotal evidence from the ONS also suggests that heavy rainfall and strong winds affected output in April.
Construction output is estimated to have decreased by 2.2% in the three months to April 2024, with new work falling by 2.8% and repair and maintenance down by 1.4%.
This is the sixth consecutive fall in the three-monthly series.
Seven of the nine sectors saw a fall in April 2024
The ONS data revealed that private housing new work fell by 4.4%, being identified as a major contributor to the monthly decrease in output.
Maintenance was also found to have fallen by 2.5%.
The next government must restore confidence in the sector
Clive Docwra, managing director of property and construction consultancy McBains, said: “After last month’s figures showed the construction sector still mired in technical recession, today’s figures come as a further blow for the industry.
“A close to 2% fall in new work across the board highlights the continuing caution shown by investors being reluctant to commit to new projects while so many economic uncertainties remain. New work in private housing, in particular, remains in the doldrums, seeing a fall of more than 4%.
“Many in the industry are crossing their fingers for a post-election boost, but today’s figures show that whichever party forms the next government has a job on its hands to restore confidence and encourage growth.”
Post-election landscape remains challenging until interest rates drop
Scott Motley, head of programme, project and cost management at AECOM, said: “After an uptick in the broader economic climate, many will be hopeful that construction industry output will soon follow suit.
“Importantly, the upcoming General Election will provide clarity on the nation’s future direction earlier than anticipated, bringing with it the prospect of a new infrastructure strategy and greater confidence in investment decisions in the second half of the year.
“However, the continued high cost of doing business will still make for a challenging landscape post-election until interest rates drop significantly.”
