Construction output ends 2016 on a high

The UK construction sector finished 2016 on a high, according to the latest ONS statistics for the industry.

Output increased 1.8% in December on the previous month, while the 0.2% decline previously reported for November was revised up to a gain of 0.4%.

Compared to a year earlier, output was up 0.6% in December.

The ONS said private commercial work, alongside housing, were the main drivers of growth.

Commenting on the housing sector, the ONS said: “All aspects of housing continued their growth as the push for an increase in the quality and quantity of housing continues to gather pace”.

Mark Robinson, chief executive at procurement body Scape, commented: “This [data] shows the construction industry cannot be deterred, as the lack of skilled labour and mounting material costs are overcome by the positive economic backdrop and expanding pipelines that we saw towards the end of 2016, contributing to a large growth in the amount of new work.”