Recent figures have revealed that the value of all work in the construction industry has increased by 7 per cent since 2016-17, meaning more higher-paying jobs, better infrastructure and a growing economy.

The value of new housing work has increased by 13 per cent, as the Government is delivering more homes for people across the country.

The figures are a welcome boost in the South East, where the value of new housing output has increased by 88.3% since 2009-2010 and the value of overall construction output has increased by 28.2%.

Craig welcomed the figures, which show that the value of construction output in the South East was over £5.55b in the first quarter of 2018.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“This is welcome news, but there’s more to do to build a stronger economy with better, higher-paying jobs.

“That’s why, through our new Construction Sector Deal and our modern Industrial Strategy, the Conservative Government is working to recruit and train the next generation of high-skilled construction workers in my constituency.

“The construction industry makes a vital contribution to our economy, which is why we need to ensure that we have the skills we need to deliver homes, schools and other buildings across South Thanet and build a country fit for the future.”

This follows a recent Government announcement of a new £420 million joint government-industry Construction Sector Deal to transform the industry, supported by the biggest government investment in construction for at least a decade.