New figures have revealed construction output in the UK fell by 1.7% in May.

The latest Office of National Statistics data states the sector continued to struggle in the three-month on three-month series, marking the third consecutive quarter of decline.

The fall was driven predominantly by a decrease in new work, which also fell for a third consecutive month by 2.5% in May.

However, when compared with April output showed signs of recovery by increasing 2.9%, with month-on-month growth driven by the recovery of private housing repair and maintenance work, which grew 7.3% in May.

Mark Robinson, Chief Executive of Scape Group, said despite a disappointing level of output over the past three months, it is clear in May things started to turn around.


"It is particularly promising to see that total new work increased by £13.7 billion over the past month alone, including significant contributions from infrastructure, as well as strong housebuilding," he said.

"However, we still have a long way to go to reach output levels needed to keep the UK as a world-leader in the development of new infrastructure. Our latest research report finds that over the last two decades, infrastructure output across the UK has increased by just £70 per person. Despite record investment, the supply chain has not seen much increase in construction activity on the ground. More must be done to ensure SMEs benefit from the delivery of new infrastructure projects, particularly as we head towards Brexit.

"Even greater investment in infrastructure is also essential if the UK is to remain competitive. Our rapidly growing population deserves greater investment in the services they use every day to ensure that they run both efficiently and effectively.

"The government should not become distracted by Brexit and must continue with the business of building; committing to invest in our road and rail links will improve connectivity between cities and help them to flourish. Clarity and consistency on Brexit is essential to keep the construction industry and the wider economy moving in the right direction."

(LM/MH)