Seema Malhotra MP, Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, commenting on construction figures published today, said:

“It is deeply disappointing that despite Osborne’s rhetoric on construction the industry has seen a fall of 0.2 per cent in output in January, while output is still below the pre-recession peak despite nearly six years of Tory Government.

“The fact that construction still hasn’t fully recovered should be wake-up call for Osborne as to the urgent need to rebalance our economy if he is to make good on his commitment to get Britain building.

“We need a government committed to long-term, patient investment in skills, infrastructure and technology; otherwise our unbalanced economy will continue to be a risk to Britain’s prosperity.”