Construction Industry expects growth in 2012

More than two-fifths of construction firms in the UK are expecting workloads to increase next year, according to survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Speedy Services. 42 per cent of contractors expect growth in 2012, however the majority of surveyed companies expect growth to be weak. The government's infrastructure plan announced in the Autumn Statement has improved the outlook for construction industry for the upcoming year. However, nine out of ten contractors claimed that public spending cuts will have a negative effect on operating conditions, while two-thirds claimed the UK's planning system is an obstacle to business. Dr Neil Bentley, CBI deputy director-general, said: "The government has recognised the role construction can play in building a path to the recovery, and the sector is more than ready to play its part in generating economic growth. "But the government must now move quickly to bring infrastructure projects to market so the sector can gear up and create jobs."