Construction industry ‘set for job losses’

An expert has warned that 2011 looks set to be another difficult year for Britain’s construction industry, with unfavourable market conditions and the possibility of further job losses.

Construction News deputy news editor Greg Pitcher singled out the government’s impending spending cuts as a major source of concern for the sector and doubted whether a private sector resurgence could make up the shortfall.

“In general, it would be fair to say that the industry expects another tough year in 2011,” he explained. “Most forecasts are for a drop in output for the year, so it is a fairly natural assumption.”

However, Mr Pitcher added that there is some cause for optimism among building firms, with an increasing amount of work on offer in office construction and improvements to Britain’s railway network.

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His comments came after the Federation of Master Builders predicted that 11,400 jobs would go in the sector next year, with January’s VAT hike causing companies further problems.

Posted by Hayley Edwards