Scottish Building Federation Chief Executive Michael Levack believes there is no sign of forward drive within the sector.

Commenting on job statistics for the Scottish construction industry, published yesterday the SBF Chief Executive said: "These latest figures show employment in the construction industry stagnating. While there have been no further significant job losses in the final quarter of 2011, there’s little sign of any forward momentum within the Scottish industry. Levels of employment remain significantly below where they were three years ago, when the sector employed between 30,000 and 40,000 more people than it does now.

-- Advertisement --

"We ought to be able to look forward to a future where the Scottish construction industry employs upwards of 200,000 people once again. But we need an additional stimulus in next week’s UK Budget to set us on the right path.

"Releasing additional funds for capital investment, cutting VAT on home repairs and improvements and further action to improve bank lending. These are the actions we’d like the Chancellor to take next Wednesday to give Scottish construction firms the confidence to start recruiting again."

(GK)