Gordon Banks

Labour’s Shadow Minister for Business Gordon Banks has responded to figures released today by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) which shows that the construction industry in the UK has begun to enter its fourth year of falling workloads with a third of companies expecting to cut their staffing levels this year on the back of already substantial job losses in the industry.

Gordon Banks said – “The Government continues to wring their hands whilst the construction industry crumbles around their ears. “

“The Government’s cuts agenda is hitting the industry hard and only 3% of the firms surveyed by the FMB expected higher workloads from the public sector. The figures for the private sector are equally dismal with the expectation of increased workloads at its lowest level since 2009. “

“Business has lost faith in this Government and frankly the Government have given up on business too. These are difficult times for the industry which is staring down the barrel of a gun this year and we need to see a plan for growth from this Government now.”

“The construction industry is absolutely vital to the economy and this Government is making all the wrong choices and as a result we will see many more construction workers unemployed this year. Only when a credible plan growth plan for the economy is in place will there be any light at the end of this long dark tunnel for the construction industry.”