ABSTRACT

The construction industry involves over 250,000 firms which employ 2.1 million people (BERR 2009). In the last ten years the industry has experienced a reduction in the level of gross national product from 8-12 per cent (Fenn et al. 1998: 104) to 6 per cent in 2008 (Office for National Statistics 2009a). National statistics for construction in the second quarter of 2009 indicate that output has fallen by 10 per cent and new work by 12 per cent (Office for National Statistics 2009b). Gross value added (total output less intermediate consumption of goods and services) is measured at 9.2 (BERR 2009).