Pace of construction recovery continues

Construction output for August 2013 was 4.0% higher than for August 2012, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. the increase was predominantly due to a 5.5% increase in new work, with new housing increasing by 16.7%, while infrastructure fell by 5.5%.

Construction output has shown year-on-year growth for three consecutive months for the first time since May 2011, with the main contribution to growth coming from new housing work.

Comparing the three months June to August with the same three months a year earlier, construction output increased by 3.0%. Construction output grew by 2.4% compared with the previous three months (March to May 2013).

The steady increase in activity has prompted Anthony Rowe, managing director of Barker Ross Recruitment to express concerns about the availability of skilled labour. He says, ‘As a recruiter, it is great to see the job market improving compared to the past few years, but we may now be faced with a new problem — a lack of skilled labour. We have to work harder than ever to fill clients’ vacancies, as skilled construction workers have left the industry or retired and, because of the downturn, the new generation haven’t entered the sector.’

Anthony Rowe also comments, ‘We have started to see more permanent positions becoming available, which is another sign of confidence returning as clients are keen to secure the best people for the long term.’