Falling Confidence and Construction Apprentice Numbers Prompt Calls for Government Action
Scottish Building Federation Chief Executive Michael Levack has called for more government action after GDP figures showed a 2.3% decline in construction output between April and June this year.
Commenting on the latest Scottish GDP statistics published today [October 19th, 2011] by the Office of National Statistics, Mr Levack said:
“This significant contraction in the construction industry of 2.3% in the second quarter of the year is deeply concerning and must act as a wake-up call.
“It translates as around 10,000 jobs being lost in just three months.
“The construction industry is a key driver of Scotland’s economy, but we are continuing to suffer a prolonged slump.
“We need to see an even stronger emphasis from the Scottish Government on protecting and consolidating capital investment in construction projects to support the construction industry and start rebuilding employment, skills and capacity.”
ENDS
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Notes to Editors
1. Regional Labour Market Statistics for the second quarter of 2011 were published by the Office of National Statistics today (14th September 2011) and show Scottish construction industry employment fell from 182,000 in March 2011 to 172,000 in June 2011, down from 202,000 in March 2009: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-labour/regional-labour-market-statistics/september-2011/index.html
2. Founded in 1895, the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) is the lead voice of the construction industry in Scotland, an industry which is the largest source of private investment north of the border and contributes around £10 billion (c.10%) to Scotland’s GDP. The overall aim of the organisation is to ensure that the important contribution of the Scottish construction industry to Scotland’s economy and society is recognised and valued, which it does through working with industry, government and the media, and that industry standards are raised.
3. The SBF promotes the interests of the construction industry to a diverse range of stakeholders and is the leading employers’ federation for the industry, representing over 700 companies from Orkney to the Borders.
4. The SBF provides an exclusive range of invaluable support services to a wide range of member companies, whether these are small single trade firms or major regional and national contractors. The shared objective that all members have in common is their commitment to health and safety, skills and integrity, ensuring the delivery of the highest standards of performance, professionalism and quality within the industry in Scotland.
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