But RMI work falls in September

Output edged up in September with new work orders jumping by nearly 10% in the third quarter, latest figures from the ONS have revealed.

September’s output number was up 0.2% – the fourth successive rise – with growth across the third quarter, between July and September, up by 0.1% compared to 0.2% in the second quarter.

The ONS said the increase in monthly output in September came solely from an increase in new work (0.7%), as repair and maintenance decreased by 0.5% on the month.

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Commercial schemes, such as Multiplex’s job to build new offices at Holborn Viaduct in the City, helped keep construction output in the black in September

Total construction new orders grew by 9.8% in Q3 compared with Q2, with the increase coming mainly from private commercial new work and private industrial new work.

Aecom’s managing director for Buildings & Places Jo Streeten said: “[The] rise in output shows an industry building momentum despite significant economic headwinds. The government has set out its long-term vision for homes and infrastructure delivery but now we must see action on the ground.”

The wider economy grew by just 0.1% in the quarter from July to September with GDP slipping 0.1% in September.