Construction output increased in May, with levels above pre-pandemic figures according to the latest ONS figures. However, the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector continues its decline, which should send a warning to the rest of the industry and the government.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said “The positive numbers in the latest ONS stats mask a worrying underlying trend. Activity in the repair, maintenance and improvement sector (RMI) continues to fall, likely influenced by consumers juggling rising cost of living pressures. RMI work is the backbone of the construction industry and the lifeblood of small, local builders. If the decline continues, insolvencies will follow. The ONS is right to point to the pressures of high costs of construction products, lack of materials, high fuel costs and the ban on red diesel as having an impact on the sector. All these costs add up and must be passed on to a reluctant customer base who are looking to make savings.”
