Construction output saw a quarterly
increase of 0.5% in Q4 2019 according to the latest figures by the Office of
National Statistics (ONS).
This growth was driven by a 0.8% rise in new work, which offset a 0.1% fall
in growth in repair and maintenance.
Private new housing and public other new work both fell by 1.1%, with the
largest positive contributions coming from private commercial and public new
housing which grew by 2.5% and 8.4% respectively.
When compared with 2018, the level of all work in 2019 saw a 2.5% increase
which was driven by a 3.4% growth in new work and 0.7% rise in repair and
maintenance. New orders grew by 4.4% in Q4 2019, which was driven by an 11.2%
rise in all other work but offset by an 8.5% fall in new housing.
Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Brian Berry
said: “Despite toxic uncertainty, political ups and downs and bad weather in
2019, it is a testament to the resilience of the construction sector that
it grew by 2.5% last year.
“However, the positive overall figure for last year shouldn’t mask the
disappointing performance of the repair and maintenance sector which saw
minimal growth of 0.7% and a fall of 1.7% in private housing repair
and maintenance.
“A national retrofit strategy would help boost the domestic repair and
maintenance sector, providing confidence and support to homeowners and builders
to make the necessary upgrades to our ageing housing stock. At this same
time, this would help to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive at the CIOB, commented: “The UK economy was subdued towards the end of 2019 due to weak industrial output. However, the construction industry has continued to grow despite the economic slowdown and political uncertainty.
“We believe the majority of growth for the sector is due to new work in infrastructure and private commercial projects. The upcoming Budget and National Infrastructure Strategy needs to take the construction sector into consideration to ensure there is a focus on a pipeline of well-planned projects. This will support sector jobs across the UK and ensure that the construction industry continues to grow.”
