UK Construction Output Declines by 0.4% in October 2024: ONS Report
The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) Construction Output Report reveals a 0.4% decrease in UK construction output in October 2024, following a modest 0.1% increase in September 2024. This marks a significant shift in the industry’s monthly performance, driven by declines in specific areas. While new work showed some growth, a sharper decline in repair and maintenance weighed on the overall figures. This report provides an overview of the performance trends and sectoral challenges shaping the construction industry.
Monthly Performance Analysis
In October 2024, monthly construction output fell by 0.4% in volume terms. This decline was attributed entirely to a 1.3% reduction in repair and maintenance work, which overshadowed a 0.2% increase in new work. These figures indicate a divergence within the industry, where gains in one area were insufficient to offset losses in another.
At the sectoral level, four of the nine construction sectors recorded declines in October. The most significant downturn occurred in private housing repair and maintenance, which fell by 3.8%. This area was the largest contributor to the overall monthly decrease, reflecting a weakening in housing-related repair activity despite continued investment in new projects.
Quarterly Trends
Despite the monthly decline, the broader three-month period to October 2024 painted a slightly more optimistic picture, with construction output rising by 0.4%. Growth during this time was driven solely by a 1.7% increase in new work, underscoring the strength of ongoing and planned projects. However, this positive performance was tempered by a 1.2% decline in repair and maintenance work during the same period, highlighting an imbalance in the industry’s recovery. The quarterly trends suggest that while the construction sector shows resilience in new work, the downturn in repair and maintenance remains a persistent challenge.
The October 2024 construction output figures, as reported by the ONS, underscore the uneven recovery within the UK construction industry. While new work continues to provide a foundation for growth, the sustained decline in repair and maintenance—particularly within private housing—points to ongoing vulnerabilities in certain sectors. Addressing these disparities will be essential for achieving balanced and sustained growth in the construction industry in the coming months.
Source: Construction output in Great Britain – Office for National Statistics
