ONS Construction Output: December 2023

This Construction Output provides an overview of the latest statistics released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).  The data used in this report is based on short-term measures of output by the construction industry in October 2023 and contracts awarded for new construction work in Great Britain.

Output Decrease

In October 2023, there was a 0.3% decrease in construction output in the three months to October 2023. This came solely from a 2% decrease in new work, whilst repair and maintenance increased by 2.2%

Monthly Figures

The monthly construction output in the United Kingdom for October 2023 was estimated to have decreased by 0.5% in volume terms. This follows an increase of 0.4% in September 2023. The monthly value in level terms in October 2023 was £15,485 million.

The decrease in monthly output came solely from a 1.7% fall in new work, partially offset by an increase of 1.3% in repair and maintenance on the month.

Sector Falls

At the sector level, there was a fall for three out of the nine sectors in October 2023. The main contributors to the monthly decrease were seen in private new housing (5.2%) and private commercial new work (1.7%).

Delayed Work

Anecdotal evidence suggested that heavy rainfall and strong winds led to delays in planned work in October 2023. A large volume of comments from businesses noted the negative effect of storms specifically.

 

In summary, key findings found that construction output saw a decrease in the three months to October 2023. Monthly construction output also fell in volume terms. Both decreases were solely from falls in new work whilst repair and maintenance rose. three out of nine sectors fell in October 2023; with the main contributors being private new housing and private commercial new work. Evidence shows that heavy rainfall and strong winds negatively impacted planned work in the month.