AUDIO NEWS: Construction output drops in October and 72% of tradespeople hit by tool thieves

Drop in construction output highlights fragile growth, over seven out of 10 tradespeople hit by tool thieves and NFRC says increase in minimum wage is a major problem for small firms

Monthly construction output fell by 0.6% in October — that’s according to the latest government figures.

The drop was blamed on a fall in new work and repair and maintenance jobs.

The latest figures from the ONS also show that total output fell by 0.3% over the last three months to October, highlighting how “fragile growth remains” after September’s small improvement.

Jo Streeten, managing director, Buildings & Places with AECOM said: “the government has talked up capital spending and planning reform, but clients are waiting for clear signs that the system will move faster.”

---

More than seven out of 10 tradespeople have been victims of tool theft, either directly or because their van was stolen with their tools inside.

In the survey by Tempcover, an overwhelming 96% claimed they’d improved their security habits after being hit by thieves, with many upgrading their van security and taking tools inside at night.

However, the survey still found that 27% of respondents had had their tools taken multiple times.

---

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has warned that pending increases in the minimum wage and national insurance contributions will stop small firms from hiring new staff.

In a recent poll by the trade body, over three quarters of its members claimed the cost of employment was a challenge facing their business.

---

To listen to the construction news please click below