AUDIO NEWS: Forecast for construction output drops and tool theft costs tradespeople £294m!

Construction output expected to grow by just 1.1% in 2025, tool theft costs tradespeople £294 million in 2024 and 44% of tilers take 3 tea breaks a day

Construction output for 2025 and 2026 has been revised downwards due to the growing uncertainty surrounding November’s budget forecast.

According to the Construction Products Association (CPA), industry output is expected to grow by just 1.1% this year, and 2.8% in 2026.

Previously the CPA forecast growth of 1.9 in 2025 and nearly 4% next year.

Many building firms are reporting a slowdown in work since the Spring budget as homeowners and investors have held on to their money.

Further tax rises and potential spending cuts are widely expected in Rachel Reeves next budget forecast.

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Tool theft cost UK tradespeople £294 million in 2024 — that’s according to research from Simply Business.

The firm’s analysis showed a 21% drop in the volume of tool theft claims in 2024, compared to previous years. 

But the average value of stolen tools surged by 18% to over £3,200.

East Anglia was the most affected region, accounting for 18% of tool theft claims in 2024.

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Nearly 50% of tilers take three or more tea breaks a day, claims research from ToolStation.

Plumbers were found to be the least likely to stop for tea, while roofers were found to take the longest breaks, with 50% saying they regularly paused for 20 minutes for a cuppa.

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