GDP figures highlight importance of construction

GDP figures highlight importance of construction and dangers of Tory economic policy


The 1.1 per cent advance in GDP figures were driven by the UK's powerhouse services sector and the construction industry.

Les Bayliss, Unite's assistant general secretary with responsibility for Unite's construction sector, said: "These figures demonstrate that investing in the construction industry is a sure fire way to drive growth, tragically the new chancellor ignores the evidence and does the opposite."

"The construction industry, which jumped by 6.6 per cent, is driving the economy and it is a testament to the good judgement of the former Labour government which maintained support for the sector.

"Unfortunately the savage cuts planned by this Tory government will hit publicly funded construction projects, cost construction jobs and have a knock-on effect on both the public and private sector. Britain has taken one step forward but will take two steps back thanks to the Con-Dem cuts."