Construction on 'downward spiral' despite homes push

The construction industry has continued to shrink as companies struggle to build at the pace required by the Government’s ambitious housing goals.

- By Amber Murray

GRIM OUTLOOK: from Anna Leach

Output fell 0.3% month on month in August, with the biggest decline in repair and maintenance, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Experts said the industry is on a “downward spiral”, despite Labour’s pledge to build more homes.

Anna Leach, chief economist at the Institute of Directors business leaders group, said: “The underlying trends in construction are worrying.

“The sector is already contending with acute skills shortages, rising costs and long delays at the Building Safety Regulator.