CPA: Construction Decline Adds to Economic Woes

Wednesday, 25 January 2012 11:16 AM

Today’s GDP figures, published by ONS, show that the UK economy has fallen by 0.2 per cent in the final quarter of 2011 following growth of just 0.6 per cent in the previous two quarters. The main contributors to this fall were the manufacturing and construction sectors, which fell 0.9 per cent and 0.5 per cent respectively.

Commenting on these figures, Noble Francis, Economics Director at the Construction Products Association, said: ‘The GDP figures released today show that the final quarter of last year was extremely difficult for the economy, in which both construction and manufacturing had a significant effect. Unfortunately the prospects looking forward are even worse, as construction is expected to fall a further 5.2 per cent during 2012, exacerbating the problems in an industry that has already lost 300,000 jobs, and severely hindering growth for the economy as a whole.

‘Undoubtedly the problems in the euro zone have increased uncertainty in the private sector making investors highly risk averse to investment. However, this does not tell the whole story as Capital Investment from the public sector, which accounts for more than one-third of total construction activity, will have fallen 30% by the end of 2013. As construction has been highlighted by government as essential for recovery, the decline is severely harming prospects for the sector as well as constraining overall economic growth.’

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The Construction Products Association represents the UK’s manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, components and fittings. The Association acts as the voice of the construction products sector, representing the industry-wide view of its members. The sector has an annual turnover of £50 billion and accounts for 40% of total construction output.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Simon Storer. Communications and External Affairs Director

Construction Products Association

Tel : 020 7323 3770

Fax : 020 7323 0307

Mobile : 07702 862 257

E-mail : simon.storer@constructionproducts.org.uk

Noble Francis. Economics Director

Construction Products Association

Mobile: 07887 897 581

Fax: 020 7323 0307

E-mail: noble.francis@constructionproducts.org.uk

Nicola Smith

External Affairs Manager

Construction Products Association

26 Store Street

London WC1E 7BT

Tel: 020 7323 7247

Fax: 020 7323 0307

nicola.smith@constructionproducts.org.uk

www.constructionproducts.org.uk 

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