Output in the construction industry is estimated to have risen by 7.4% from 2013 to 2014, according to the most recent findings by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Total new housing saw the largest increase, growing by 23.0% in 2014 compared with 2013. All work types recorded increases apart from infrastructure, other new public work and private commercial work.
Other findings included:
- Despite general output having risen between 2013 and 2014, in Q4 2014, output in the construction industry was estimated to have decreased by 2.1% compared with Q3
- Downward pressure on the quarter came from repair and maintenance (R&M), which fell by 6.3%, the largest quarter-on-quarter fall since Q4 2009 when it fell by 8.7%. Both housing and non-housing R&M reported falls of 4.9% and 7.7% respectively. New work increased by 0.6% on the quarter
- Following falls in October and November 2014, output in the construction industry was estimated to have increased by 0.4% in December 2014 compared with November 2014. On the year, the picture was one of continued growth, with output in the construction industry increasing by 5.5% in December 2014 compared with December 2013.
Vaughan Hart, managing director of the Scottish Building Federation, said: “2014 was a good year for the UK construction sector with total output increasing by 7.4% to stand at £121.3bn. Full-year figures aren’t available yet for Scotland, but the first three quarters of last year show solid growth across nearly all sectors.”
He added: “Our members will take heart from these latest results. The main focus now is on recruitment into the industry. To sustain this positive momentum through 2015, rebuilding skills and capacity will be absolutely crucial.”
