Chris Leslie MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, responding to today’s ONS Construction Output report, said:

“At this stage of the recovery, Britain’s construction sector should be doing far better than this.

“The Government’s attitude has been characterised by complacency and inactivity, especially when so many new homes are needed.

“Construction should be leading the way, not falling back. We need a far more energetic approach to skills and capacity in the construction sector to build a more productive economy.”