Get Britain Building is a coalition of organisations from within the construction sector who are calling for the creation of a new business environment to help the UK construction industry thrive and prosper in these difficult times. Our campaign focuses on the need to help all those involved in the UK construction industry survive in the current economic downturn with an emphasis on minimising excessive control, regulation, and taxation.
The Importance of the UK Construction Industry:
According to the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), the UK construction industry has 250,000 firms employing 2.1 million people, and contributes 8.2 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Construction companies provide employment for every skill level from labourers to architects as well as provide the opportunity to work for every size of firm from family run businesses to major contractors. Its efficient operation and competitiveness is also essential to the fulfilment of the Government’s commitment to improve public services and infrastructure. The delivery of new schools, hospitals, affordable housing, eco homes, all depend on the success of the construction sector to deliver.
The Impact of the Recession on the UK Construction Industry:
The construction industry has been particularly badly hit as a result of the recession and the down turn in the housing market. The industry is facing its biggest challenge for many years. The indicators are that many will struggle to survive in the current market, with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors predicting the loss of over 300,000 jobs within the industry and with 52 per cent of SME builders warning that they will be making staff redundant over the coming months.
There is currently a crisis in the housing market with many first time buyers unable to get a mortgage let alone afford a first home. Alongside this there are over 90,000 families living in temporary accommodation and 1.8 million families on council house waiting lists; the case for building new homes is therefore very clear. However, news from the National House Building Council shows new home starts being at their lowest level since 1924.
During the last recession the UK construction industry lost over 500,000 skilled jobs, we cannot allow that to happen again!
http://ht.getbritainbuilding.co.uk/video.asp
I hope this positive event continues as we need homes ….with the lag that has taken place in the industry