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The latest figures from the DTI show that the overall volume of output for the quarter was up 1% compared to the previous quarter. Over the longer term, the second quarter’s output was unchanged compared to that of the previous year.

But the public sector looked weak, reflecting a fall in government spending. The DTI said that public non-housing new work fell by 8% compared to 2005 and by 3% against the previous year. New infrastructure work was also down – by 4% for the quarter compared to 2005. On the plus side within the government sector, public housing was 8% higher in the second quarter of 2006 than last year.

The industry got a boost from new work in the private industrial sector, which was up 11% compared to last year. New private commercial work was also up – by 7% against 2005.