Construction output in the last three months of 2015 shrunk by 0.4%, according to new figures.

Recent Office of National Statistics (ONS) data reveals the downward pressure came from the repair and maintenance (R&M) sector, which fell 1.4%.


While all new work increased by 0.2%, new infrastructure work experienced a 'shock' fall of 3.9%.

In December 2015, output in the construction industry was estimated to have increased by 1.5% compared with November 2015, due to an increase of 2.6% in all new work.

This was offset by R&M, which decreased by 0.5%.

Overall, industry output in 2015 was estimated to have increased by 3.4%, while all new work rose by 6.4% and R&M decreased by 2.2%.

(LM/MH)