Unfavourable weather conditions dampened the UK construction output in February 2024, as heavy rainfall led to a 1.9% decline in output
The decrease in monthly UK construction output came from decreases in both new work (2.3% fall), and repair and maintenance (1.4% fall).
Eight out of the nine sectors saw a fall in February 2024, with the main contributors to the monthly decrease seen in non-housing repair and maintenance, and private commercial new work, which decreased 2.5% and 4.0%.
Private housing repair and maintenance was the only sector which saw an increase, growing 0.2%.
Construction industry comment
CEO of APRAO, Daniel Norman, commented: “February’s construction once again softened after showing slight growth in the first month of the year. There was, of course, hope that January’s upward trend would continue, but it’s not a surprise that the numbers have once again taken a drop, albeit a slight one.
While February’s poor weather and heavy rainfall will be contributors to this decline, it also suggests that construction firms and housebuilders continue to hold their cards to their chest as the economic hangover of 2023 is yet to fully clear.
“But with the nation’s economic horizons starting to brighten up, interest rates having already peaked, and a strong need for more new homes, we expect to see construction pick up sooner rather than later.”
‘The latest figures shouldn’t shadow a brighter outlook’
Fraser Johns, finance director at Beard: “After January’s increase in construction output bucked the trend of the previous three consecutive monthly falls, it would be tempting to think that February’s figures are a damp squib.
“However, it is evident from the ONS and our experience that poor weather had a lot to do with it, with heavy rainfall leading to delays in planned work and decreasing output in February.
“While there are ongoing pressures on the industry, including some remaining uncertainty around inflation, we shouldn’t let these latest figures shadow a brighter outlook and we shouldn’t let this small decline in output dampen the growing optimism we’re seeing on the ground.”
