The construction industry output volume in Great Britain in the second quarter this year fell by 3.9 percent compared to the previous quarter and was down 9.5 percent year on year, according to a report released by the UK-based Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Commenting on the figures, UK-based Construction Products Association's (CPA) economics director Noble Francis said, "What is most concerning is that private sector activity has also fallen sharply, implying that not just activity but also confidence is sadly lacking. This situation is rapidly becoming a crisis and at this rate I wouldn't be surprised if manufacturers begin to shut down their operations and lay people off."
Mr. Francis continued, "There is an urgent need for government to address this situation by immediately embarking on a programme of repair and maintenance across all areas of the country, especially for housing and roads, clarifying the model by which private finance will be attracted to enable investment in major infrastructure projects and deciding government priorities for the amount of capital investment the country needs to stimulate growth." He stressed that the recovery is unlikely to happen anytime soon without these measures.