CPA: Construction Output in April a Bad Omen for the Economy in Q2
The latest ONS construction figures released today show that construction output in April fell by 13% compared to March and was 9% lower than the same month one year earlier. Furthermore, ONS also revised the contraction in construction output during Q1, for the third time, to -4.9%.
Commenting on the figures, Noble Francis, Economics Director at the Construction Products Association said: ‘With ONS reporting that both manufacturing and construction sectors fell in April, prospects for the UK economy escaping recession in Q2 are dissipating rapidly. It was unfortunately unsurprising to see the sharp fall in construction output during April, given the extent of the public sector cuts. Public housing output in April fell 10% compared with March and was 23% lower than a year earlier. Public non-housing, which covers education and health, was 13% down on March and 21% lower than a year earlier.’
‘The government has made much play of private sector construction leading the recovery as the public sector cuts bite but it is clear that this is not the case. Private sector work was clearly hindered by investor confidence, adversely affected by euro zone uncertainty, and this was exacerbated by the poor weather in April. Output in private commercial, the largest construction sector, fell 10% during April and was 3% lower than a year earlier.’
‘Overall, construction output fell in every sector during April. With further public sector cuts in the pipeline and little to suggest that a resolution to the euro zone crisis is imminent, it is clear that the trend in output during the next 12-18 months will be downward. The IMF has openly stated that government should do more to switch current spending to capital investment, which would help to drive the UK out of recession and support future growth.’
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The Construction Products Association represents the UK’s manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, components and fittings. The Association acts as the voice of the construction products sector, representing the industry-wide view of its members. The sector has an annual turnover of £50 billion and accounts for 44% of total construction output.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Simon Storer Communications and External Affairs Director
Construction Products Association
Tel : 020 7323 3770
Fax : 020 7323 0307
Mobile : 0770 286 2257
E-mail : simon.storer@constructionproducts.org.uk
Noble Francis Economics Director
Construction Products Association
Tel : 020 7323 3770
Fax : 020 7323 0307
E-mail: noble.francis@constructionproducts.org.uk
Nicola Smith
External Affairs Manager
Construction Products Association
26 Store Street
London WC1E 7BT
Tel: 020 7323 7247
Fax: 020 7323 0307
nicola.smith@constructionproducts.org.uk
www.constructionproducts.org.uk
Registered Office as above
Company Number 386 1752
Registered in England
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