ONS Construction Output: January 2024
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 November 2023 and contracts awarded for new construction work in Great Britain.
Overview
Construction output in the three months to November 2023 experienced a decrease of 0.6%. This decline was attributed to a significant fall in new work by 3.6%, while repair and maintenance activities increased by 3.8%.
Monthly Performance
In terms of monthly performance, construction output is estimated to have decreased by 0.2% in volume in November 2023. This follows an upwardly revised decrease of 0.4% in October 2023. The monthly value in level terms for November 2023 is reported at £15,571 million.
The decrease in monthly output can be attributed solely to a decline in new work, which fell by 2.0%, while repair and maintenance activities increased by 2.1%.
Sector-Level Analysis
At the sector level, three out of the nine sectors experienced a decline in November 2023. The main contributors to this monthly decrease were private new housing and infrastructure new work, which decreased by 3.9% and 2.0%, respectively.
Contributing Factors
Anecdotal evidence suggests that adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds in November 2023, played a significant role in causing delays in planned construction work.
In summary, the construction industry faced a 0.6% decrease in output over the three months to November 2023, primarily due to a significant drop in new work despite an increase in repair and maintenance. Monthly figures showed a 0.2% decline in volume, with adverse weather conditions identified as a key factor. Private new housing and infrastructure new work were the main contributors to the monthly decrease, falling by 3.9% and 2.0%, respectively. The industry faced challenges, including delays in planned construction activities, attributed to heavy rainfall and strong winds during November 2023.
