Latest ONS GDP data shows construction output decreased by 0.7% between July and September

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Construction is in recession having contracted for the second quarter in row, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

Construction output decreased by 0.7% during the third quarter of 2017 (July – September), following a fall of 0.5% from April to June.

However, growth domestic product (GDP) grew 0.4% during the third quarter despite construction continuing to act as a drag on the UK’s growth.

ONS data earlier this month for the sector for the three months to August showed construction output slipped by 0.8% compared with the previous quarter, driven by declines in new work and repair as well as maintenance activity.

The latest Markit/CIPS data at the beginning of October recorded a score of 48.1 for September, down from 51.1 in August, falling below the index’s ‘no change’ threshold for the first time in 13 months.