The Office for National Statistics has reported a slow October for UK construction, with both total and monthly output on the decline
Total construction output is estimated to have fallen by 0.3% in the three months to October 2025, according to the latest figures to October 2025 published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Over the three-month period, repair and maintenance fell by 1.0%, while new work grew by 0.1%.
At the sector level, four out of the nine sectors fell in the three months to October 2025; the main negative contributor to the decrease was private housing repair and maintenance, which fell by 2.3%.
Monthly construction output is estimated to have fallen by 0.6% in October 2025; this follows an increase of 0.2% in September 2025.
The decrease in monthly output in October 2025 came from decreases in both new work, and repair and maintenance, which fell by 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively.
More practival measures are needed, say industry voices
Jo Streeten, managing director for buildings & places at construction consultant Aecom, said: “A dip in output underlines just how fragile the recovery remains. The government has talked up capital spending and planning reform, but clients are still waiting for clear signs that the system will move faster before committing to major programmes.
“The commitment to add 350 planners in last month’s budget is the kind of practical measure that can keep projects flowing. However, the bigger prize is pace and predictability – using AI and digital tools to speed up how submissions are reviewed, cut uncertainty and shorten timelines. Turn that into delivery and confidence can carry into 2026 with a more robust pipeline.”
