UK construction output declines by 1.1% in May

Construction activity in the UK fell unexpectedly in May 2014, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Output in the construction industry was estimated to have fallen by 1.1% in May 2014, compared with April 2014, after increasing by 1.2% in April. Both new work and repair and maintenance fell by 1.1% during the month.

In the new work sector, the largest contribution to the decline came from private commercial work and other public new work. New work public housing and private industrial work increased; however, due to the relatively small size of these work types, the increases did little to offset the falls in other areas.

Despite the monthly fall, output in the construction industry increased by 3.5% compared with May 2013, with all new work and repair and maintenance increasing by 3.7% and 3.1%, respectively. Housing new work provided the largest contribution to the increase compared with May 2013, with both public and private housing seeing substantial increases of 29.3% and 16.8%, respectively. This resulted in all new housing increasing by 19.4%. Private industrial new work also increased compared with 2013.

There were also notable year-on-year falls in infrastructure, public other new work and private commercial.

Read the full Statistical Bulletin, 'Output in the Construction Industry, May 2014', here.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/11072014/uk_construction_output_declines_by_1-1_in_may_73/