Monthly construction output has been estimated to be flat (0.0% growth) in volume terms in December 2022, according to data from the ONS. This was the result of an increase in new work (0.5%), offset by a decrease in repair and maintenance (0.7% fall) on the month.
At the sector level, the main positive contributors were seen in non-housing repair and maintenance, and infrastructure new work, which increased 5.4% and 3.7%, respectively; the main negative contributors were seen in private housing repair and maintenance, and private new housing, which fell by 8.5% and 2.3%, respectively.
Quarterly construction output reportedly increased 0.3% in Q4 (Oct to Dec) 2022 compared with Q3 (July to Sept) 2022. This increase came from growth in both new work, at 0.4%, and repair and maintenance at 0.1%.
Annual construction output increased by 5.6% in 2022 compared with 2021, which follows a record increase in 2021 of 12.8%.
Total new orders decreased 1.8% in Q4 2022 compared with Q3 2022; this fall came mainly from private commercial new orders and infrastructure, which fell 9.6% and 11.8% respectively.
According to the ONS, anecdotal evidence suggested the colder temperatures in early December 2022 extended regular Christmas shut-downs by longer than expected for many businesses. The Met Office confirmed in its monthly climate summary that December 2022 was the UK’s coldest December since 2010. Businesses with less outdoor work were less affected by the adverse weather.
Businesses have also continued to reference economic worries affecting their customers’ likelihood to request construction work. These comments have covered clients in households, businesses and the public sector.
www.ons.gov.uk
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