With the industry suffering, government support is more important than ever
The recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures on construction output are a clear indicator that the industry has a long way to go to recovery (Construction output lowest for 15 years, 10 May, building.co.uk).
With output in the first quarter of this year down 6.5% on the same period in 2012, it is now more important than ever for the government to support one of the UK鈥檚 hardest hit sectors.
The industry-led Construction4Growth campaign is designed to kick-start growth through investment in shovel-ready projects. Construction returns 拢2.84 to the economy for every 拢1 that is invested in it, meaning that it has the ability to generate growth for the wider economy. Construction output is at its lowest for 15 years, and with a 7.8% decrease in projects on this time last year, it is vital that action is taken now to have a significant impact on skills and jobs in the short term.
Judy Lowe, deputy chairman, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
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