The continuing fall in house building rates, despite positive growth in the construction sector, is a major concern all consumers, industry and government, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the S&P Global/CIPS UK Construction PMI data for April 2024.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, commented: “While today’s data shows positive signs on the horizon for the wider construction industry, the benefit is seemingly being felt by the larger contractors, with uplifts seen in the commercial and civil engineering sectors. Small, local house builders have little to celebrate, with the fastest reduction in residential house building rates since January, alongside another reduction in employment numbers, both of which are cause for significant concern.”
Berry continued: “The UK is currently experiencing both a housing crisis, and a crisis in construction skills and training. If we are to achieve sustainable long-term growth, it is vital both house building and employment rates are prioritised. The FMB’s newly launched manifesto ‘Growth from the ground up’, sets out a positive approach for the next Government to follow in order to turbocharge economic growth, by delivering housing and planning reform, and a long-term skills plan to tackle the workforce shortage. Politicians need to take note of the bigger picture beyond the positive headlines, and adopt these proposals before it is too late.”
