The latest ONS statistics show that construction output fell by over 11% in 2009 – the largest fall the industry has experienced in a single year since the time of the 3day week in 1974. Commenting on these figures, Michael Ankers, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association said:

‘Today’s figures illustrate the dramatic impact of the recession on the construction industry in which some experts estimate up to half a million jobs have been lost over the last two years. The only thing that has prevented the industry from suffering an even more dramatic downturn has been the continued high level of public spending on construction which grew by 8% in 2009 compared with a collapse of 20% in spending by the private sector.