Construction output down for third straight month

Construction output fell for the third straight month in March, according to the latest data from the ONS.

Sector output was down 0.7% on the previous month, after a 1.7% fall in February.

Infrastructure and repair and maintenance work fell in March, offsetting growth in private housing.

However, the overall March result was still 2.4% up on the same month the previous year.

Commenting on the figures, Mark Robinson, chief executive of procurement body Scape Group, said: “It is worrying but not unsurprising to see construction output falling again on the month in March, as construction companies continue to feel the bite of rising material costs as a result of sterling’s depreciation and the spectre of Brexit negotiations continues to cause uncertainty within the industry.

“The next Government must not let up on infrastructure spend, and in my eyes, manifesto pledges to get the regions building would be a real vote winner.”