ONS Construction Output Report Summary - March 2025
The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) Construction Output Report reveals the second consecutive monthly decrease in construction output, recorded at 0.2%. This article provides a summary of the key findings identified regarding the performance trends and sectoral challenges shaping the construction industry.
Monthly Performance Analysis
In January 2o25, UK construction output showed a 0.2% decrease in volume terms, following a 0.2% decrease in December 2024. This fall can be attributed to one key area, as new work fell by 0.7%. However, repair and maintenance was on the rise as it grew by 0.4%.
A closer look at the sectoral level reveals that three of the nine construction sectors fell during this period. The sectors contributing most to this decrease were private commercial new work, and private housing new work. Private commercial new work fell by 6.1% and private housing new work fell by 1.8%.
Quarterly Trends
Construction output is estimated to have grown by 0.4% in the three months to January 2025. This increase came solely from an increase in new work (1.4%) whereas repair and maintenance decreased by 0.9%.
Total construction new orders decreased by 2.4% (£231 million) in Q4 2024 compared against Q3 2024. This quarterly decrease came directly from infrastructure new work and private industrial new work. Infrastructure new work fell by 23.5% (£496 million) and private industrial new work fell by 19.7% (£197 million).
In the three months to January 2025, the increase in construction output came solely from November 2024 where it rose by 0.6%
The UK construction industry continues to show resilience, with quarterly growth reaching 0.4% in the three months to January 2025. Despite a slight monthly decline in December and January, the sector’s overall performance remains stable, driven solely by new work, which increased by 1.4%. While total construction new orders fell by 2.4% in Q4 2024 – mainly due to significant declines in infrastructure and private industrial new work – the industry continues to adapt to shifting market demands. Although repair and maintenance faced a quarterly setback, its recent monthly growth signals potential recovery in this segment.
Source: Construction output in Great Britain – Office for National Statistics
