Drop in construction shows urgent need for industrial strategy, says TUC

ONS figures released today (Friday) show that construction output fell by 2.1% in May, shortly before the UK voted to leave the EU.

This continues a decline in the sector since the end of 2015.

Commenting on the figures, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Even before the referendum vote, construction was in trouble. We need to ensure that working people do not pay the price for leaving the EU.

“Greg Clark needs to live up to his new title as Industrial Strategy Secretary and develop an industrial road map for the UK.

“A major programme of public investment can support jobs and growth, and provide a much-needed confidence boost. That means ministers greenlighting Heathrow’s third runway, expanding high-speed rail, and building more homes.” 

NOTES TO EDITORS: 
- The TUC has published an action plan to ensure economic stability and growth following the vote to leave the EU: http://bit.ly/EUactionplan 
- Today’s ONS figures can be found here: http://bit.ly/ONSMayConstruction 
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @The_TUC and follow the TUC press team @tucnews