Construction Industry Highlights Benefits Of UK Capital Investment To Wider UK Economy

Spending on construction significantly benefits the UK economy, according to independent research by L.E.K. Consulting, the international strategy consultancy, commissioned by the construction industry body, UK Contractors Group (UKCIG), in partnership with the CBI.

The report, Construction in the UK economy: The Benefits of capital investment shows that construction is the best sector for stimulating employment.

It also shows that every £1 spent on construction leads to an increase in GDP of £2.84, as the spending not only creates construction output worth £1, but also stimulates growth elsewhere in the economy worth £1.84.

In some areas, such as building schools, the economic benefits of construction are even more pronounced. L.E.K. Consulting estimates that every £1 spent in this area leads to a total economic benefit of between £3.87 and £5.04, partly because of the direct benefit to the economy, but also because of improved education services that lead to a long-term benefit via a higher-skilled workforce.

The report follows figures last week showing that GDP fell by 0.4% in the third quarter of this year. It makes the case for continued investment in construction projects that are crucial to the long-term future of the UK economy.

"A strong economy needs fit-for-purpose schools and hospitals, and it will be the construction industry that builds the new transport and energy infrastructure needed to shift to a low-carbon economy.

"This timely report outlines the essential relationship between the construction sector and other parts of the economy, as well as its important contribution to numerous other social and economic objectives, including regional development and employment."

James Wates, Chairman of the UKCIG, said