AUDIO NEWS: Construction output falls to lowest point since May 2020 and rising costs have tradespeople worried

Construction output falls to its lowest point since May 2020, 27% of tradespeople are worried about rising costs and FMB wants to get more disabled people into the industry

Construction buyers reported a “sharp and accelerated” reduction in industry output in November.

S&P Global’s UK Purchasing Managers Index fell by five points in the last month and now sits at its lowest point since May 2020.

Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist with Building Cost Information Services warned that the industry was battling low client confidence, stifled demand and skills bottlenecks, compounded by a limited financial ability to recruit.

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The rising cost of materials is the biggest challenge facing the construction industry — that’s according to a survey from Safe Site Facilities.

In the poll of 500 tradespeople, 27% said rising costs were their biggest concern, followed by poor site safety standards and mounting sustainability pressures.

Jack Lowdell, manager with the facilities firm, warned that tradespeople are facing a double threat from “soaring costs of materials and climate change.”

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The Federation of Master Builders is calling on the wider industry to provide more support for tradespeople with disabilities.

With the industry facing a significant skills shortage, construction firms need to recognise that workers with disabilities can still make long term contributions to the industry, if given the right support.

Martin Sneddon, a deaf builder and member of the FMB, encouraged others with disabilities to join the industry.

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