Construction output is estimated to have fallen by 0.1% in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2024, compared with Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2024, per data from the ONS. This fall came solely from a decrease in new work (0.5% fall), as repair and maintenance grew by 0.4%.
On the more positive side, monthly construction output is estimated to have grown by 0.5% in June 2024; this came from rises in both new work (0.9%), and repair and maintenance (0.1%).
At the sector level, seven out of the nine sectors grew in June 2024, with the main contributors to the monthly increase from non-housing repair and maintenance, and private commercial new work, which grew by 3.2% and 2.1%, respectively.
Total construction new orders grew by 16.5% (£1,771m) in Q2 2024, compared with Q1 2024; this quarterly increase mainly came from private commercial new work, and infrastructure new work, which grew by 15.1% (£503 million) and 23.4% (£389 million), respectively.
The annual rate of construction output price growth was 1.9% in the 12 months to June 2024.
There were mixed effects from rain delaying work, but also warmer weather leading to an increase in output in some areas in June, according to anecdotal evidence from our the Monthly Business Survey for Construction and Allied Trades (MBS). The Met Office confirmed in its monthly climate summary that there were scattered showers throughout June; some areas of the country reached high temperatures, but mainly June was cooler than May on average. Additional comments from the MBS referenced an effect from customers holding off on spending during the general election period.
www.ons.gov.uk
