Construction output slipped back into reverse in October, according to latest data from the Office for National Statistics.

The decline of 0.6% in October, coming after an increase of 0.2% in September, came from decreases in both new work and repair and maintenance - which fell by 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively.

Total construction output is estimated to have fallen by 0.3% in the three months to October 2025.

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%.

Jo Streeten, managing director, Buildings and Places at 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.”