ONS figures show that construction output rose slightly in May
Construction output grew slightly in May, rebounding from a sharp fall in April.
Estimates from the Office of National Statistics showed output edged up 0.4% in May.
The figure was an improvement on the sizable contraction of 12.4% recorded in April.
In the three months from March to May the volume of construction output increased by 0.1%. Over the same period new work rose by 0.3% - with repair and maintenance conversely falling by the same amount.
In terms of new work, the largest sector increase was in public housing which grew 6.3%. Private industrial new work showed the largest fall, of 5.9%.
According to analysts, the biggest challenges facing the industry will be government spending cuts and weak housing demand.
The latest figures from the ONS come at a time of increased scrutiny of the organisation’s methodology in compiling their output numbers.
The Construction Products Association has led calls for the ONS to revise the way it collects construction output data.
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