Construction-industry orders display strong growth

Construction orders in the year to May rose by 6% compared with the previous year, according to figures from the Department of Trade & Industry. The short-term view showed a 14% increase on the previous three months. Orders were also 8% higher than the same 3-month period a year earlier. Strong growth was shown by the private industrial sector, with a 12% year-on-year increase. Orders were also up by 15% on the previous three months and by 48% on the same period a year earlier. The private commercial sector also showed growth on all three measures. Year-on-year orders were up by 5%. There was also an 8% increase on the previous three months and an 8% increase on the corresponding three months a year earlier. The only sector showing falls was public non-housing. There was a 5% year-on-year fall. Orders were also 15% down on the previous three months and 27% down on the same period the year before. All order figures are seasonally adjusted and in constant year 2000 prices.