Ad
Monday, March 31, 2025
16.9 C
London

U.K. Edition

Latest construction output statistics offers ‘little comfort’ to the sector

- Advertisement -

The Scaffolding Association says the latest construction output statistics offer little comfort to the sector

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published last week, show construction output in July 2021 was worth £257m (1.6% in volume terms) less than the month before the pandemic hit.

It is the second month in a row where construction activity remained lower than pre covid levels according to the latest ONS figures.

Rising prices and supply chain issues were sighted as the main reasons for the decline. According to a recent Construction Index survey, respondents told the ONS that order book volumes were high, but shortages of products are impacting live projects which is hitting the industry hard in the short-term.

Weakened demand from private housing was the biggest contributor to July’s decline, which saw sharp falls in both new work, and repair and maintenance of 7.5% and 6.2% respectively compared with the previous month.

Perfect Storm

Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the largest UK scaffolding trade body the Scaffolding Association said “Supply shortages, rising costs of materials and supply chain issues are all playing their part in this perfect storm.

A significant amount of construction is needed in the coming decade to fulfil the government’s plan for building 300,000 new homes per annum. The uncertainty around product availability and costs is already resulting in developers pausing or rethinking their development plans which will impact these ambitious targets”.

He added: “Unfortunately there is no evidence to suggest that this situation will resolve itself anytime soon. The contributing factors are part of a global crisis, and it will be several months, if not longer, before things level out and we see some stability”.

- Advertisement -

Popular this week >

NASC and SAA Unite to Boost Global Scaffolding Standards

In a landmark move for the global scaffolding industry,...

Doka Unveils Cutting-Edge Innovations Ahead of Bauma 2025

Austrian formwork and scaffolding giant Doka is preparing to...

Layher Set to Showcase New Era of Scaffolding at Bauma 2025

Layher, the global scaffolding innovator, is preparing to make...

TRAD UK Hits £30,000 in Annual Fundraising Challenge

The company raised target three times as employees and...

Service and Support: The Values Driving Commercial Success for Layher Customers

Businesses overlook good customer relationships at their peril. It...
- Advertisements -

Related Articles >

Construction Output Falls Again

Construction output fell by 1.3% in June 2021, following a decline in repairs and maintenance work. Materials price rises and shortages have also been blamed for the fall. The Office for National Statistics reported that...

Latest Topics

New Scheme Aims to Transform Apprenticeship Experience in Construction

A new initiative designed to reward and support apprentices...

Mark Parkin Joins Scaffolding Association as Strategic Director

The Scaffolding Association has appointed seasoned industry leader Mark...

TRAD UK Hits £30,000 in Annual Fundraising Challenge

The company raised target three times as employees and...

Service and Support: The Values Driving Commercial Success for Layher Customers

Businesses overlook good customer relationships at their peril. It...
- Advertisement -

Popular Categories