The construction industry has made a surprising recovery to output levels last seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest studies.

Led by infrastructure, new work activity in November rose by 3.5%, meaning the sector saw a 1.9% rise in month-on-month work, taking construction above pre-pandemic levels of output.

All new work sectors returned to growth apart from public new housing and public other new work, which fell by 2.4% and 2.8% respectively.

The strongest side of construction in November was infrastructure, which saw 9.6% month-on-month growth, followed by industrial at 3.8% and commercial at 0.2%.

MAF’s Director of Construction Asset Finance, Gary Burns, added: “It’s great to see the construction sector bucking the trend with continuous growth over the last seven months.

“To be at output figures similar to those seen pre-pandemic shows how adaptable the construction industry is in the UK.

“It’s also good to see that this is across the whole sector, from infrastructure to commercial.

“The confidence in the sector has been backed up by the decision to allow the sector remain open in the current lockdown – helping thousands of workers to continue to support their families and local economy.