The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has announced that it will be enhancing the role it undertakes on behalf of the construction industry.

Following discussions with the major construction companies, the CBI has agreed to set up a Construction Council chaired by John McDonough, Chief Executive of Carillion plc and Vice Chairman of the CBI's Public Services Strategy Board.

The Council, which will represent contractors, house builders, civil engineers, component and product manufacturers, designers and support services, will begin its work in September.

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Commenting on the move, CBI's Director-General, Richard Lambert said: "The UK construction industry consists of over 250,000 firms, employing 2.1 million people in a wide variety of roles, and accounts for almost 9 per cent of GDP.

"Until now, this important industry has not had the single unified voice it deserves.

"The Construction Council will work closely with the major trade bodies to strengthen their efforts to represent the construction industry and ensure its concerns are clearly heard."

The Construction Council will be considering a broad range of issues including the economy, energy, land use planning , procurement, climate change and skills.

(CD/JM)