FMB calls for government to avoid construction recession

FMB calls for government to avoid construction recession



A significant programme of capital investment by the government is needed to avoid a construction recession, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).


The FMB’s claim followed research by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which estimated that construction output declined by 0.7% over the first two quarters of 2016.

According to estimates construction output fell 2.1% in May alone. 

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “The construction industry has grown steadily over the past few years and for the sector to experience two consecutive quarters of negative growth demonstrates the powerful effect 
uncertainty and a lack of confidence can have.

“The government must now take bold action and do everything in its power to prevent these preliminary estimates by the ONS from becoming more concrete or sustained. 

“A firm commitment to invest public funds in capital projects such as housebuilding and infrastructure would go a long way to assuaging fears that demand will dive in the wake of Brexit.

“The country’s housing crisis and the enormous skills shortage our sector faces owe much to how the construction industry suffered during the last economic downturn – it’s pivotal that we learn from those mistakes and find a way to keep Britain building.”



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