According to the latest data, construction output grew by 1% in the month-on-month all work series in October, rising to over £13bn.

The repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector registered a 2.3% increase compared to the previous month, and a 26.8% uptick over the last three months.

In comparison, new work has only grown by 0.3% increase month-to-month, but has seen a 23.8% rise over the last three.

While this is the sixth consecutive month of progress since the monthly decline of 41.2% in April 2020, it is the smallest monthly increase in that time.

•   An interview with Brickflow co-founder Ian Humphreys
•   Property industry reacts to Spending Review
•   FMB urges chancellor to deliver comprehensive plan for green homes

Brian Berry, chief executive at the FMB, said that it was encouraging that the RMI sector was still doing well, but that the recovery in the construction sector is “far from secured”.

“There is increased concern about the availability of building materials because of import issues and the growing uncertainty about Brexit.

“Increased support should be given to SME housebuilders through better resourced planning departments and by ensuring that the new National Home Building Fund is accessible to smaller and micro firms.”