Slowdown reported by construction industry - 08-05-2008 - 11:16

Mainstream construction has continued to be hit by a slowdown during the first quarter of 2008, it has been revealed.

The trade survey report compiled by the Construction Products Association and the Construction Confederation revealed long-term prospects appear uncertain although some sectors have experienced strong activity.

Work in public-sector infrastructure has remained active while private housing and industrial activity has been reduced as a result of the economic climate, the Green Building Press reported.

Noble Francis, economics policy development director at the Construction Products Association, told the publication the industry faced an uncertain spell.

He continued: "The UK economic slowdown has led to decreases in forecasts of GDP growth, consumer spending, difficulties in credit availability and interest rates.

"Consequently this has made for a difficult economic environment for the construction industry."

The slowdown figures were predicted last month by the Office of National Statistics.

It revealed the number of private housing orders were down by nine per cent in February of this year.

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