In Great Britain, the construction industry output volume in seasonally adjusted, constant (2005) prices decreased 2.4 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the fourthe quarter of 2012, according to a report released by the UK-based Office for National Statistics (ONS). The volume of construction output is now estimated to be at its lowest level since the fourth quarter of 1998. According to the ONS, there were decreases in output for nearly all sectors in the first quarter.
Comparing the first quarter of 2013 with the same period one year earlier, the volume of construction output decreased by 6.5 percent. New work was lower by 7.8 percent with large falls in public other new work and private-commercial other new work, which reported decreases of 19.2 percent and 7.8 percent respectively.
Commenting on the figures, Noble Francis, economics director of the UK-based Construction Products Association (CPA), said, "The weather in January and March undoubtedly had a negative effect on activity in construction and, as a result, we would expect to see a degree of catch-up in the second quarter. However, prospects for this year are still poor with a subdued private sector and continuing austerity affecting most sectors of the industry. Overall, construction output is expected to fall two percent this year but private housing and infrastructure are potentially looking more positive and could be drivers of growth for the industry next year. Also, product manufacturers are looking forward with some optimism and are anticipating that exports could boost sales."
