NEW statistics show that output in the construction industry dipped slightly in February – but industry experts remain optimistic the sector is on the right path.
The ONS figures reveal that output in February was estimated to have decreased by 0.9% compared with the previous month. Both all new work and maintenance contributed to the fall.
Compared with February 2014, output in the construction industry showed a decrease of 1.3%. Repair and maintenance fell by 4.3% while all new work increased by 0.5%.
Comparing the three months, December 2014 to February 2015, with the previous three months, September to November 2014, construction output fell by 3.2%. Repair and maintenance and all new work decreased by 7.7% and 0.3% respectively.
Despite these stats, Stephen Good, Chief Executive of Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, remains cautiously optimistic, saying, “While the figures released by ONS today show a slight dip in construction compared to recent months, I don’t believe that the Scottish construction industry needs to worry. There is a confidence and buoyancy within the industry which I am sure will be reflected in the statistics in the coming months.
