Construction sector output up 52% in Q3 2020

Fiona Hyslop

However, GDP in the third quarter of 2020 remains 9.5% smaller than over the same period in 2019, reflecting the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the third quarter output in the construction sector grew by 52%, output in production contracted by 18.6%, and output in the services sector contracted by 13.8%.

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We know that businesses across Scotland have faced considerable challenges this year and we have worked hard to provide critical support at every stage.

“On top of £2.3 billion support announced at the start of the pandemic, we have provided almost £1.2 billion in economic recovery funds and £570 million in our recent packages of business support.

“While we are doing everything in our power to support business, it is incredibly disappointing that the UK Government is creating more uncertainty by refusing to rule out a ‘no deal’ Brexit at the end of the transition period on 31 December.

“This would be the worst of all possible outcomes and would result in the imposition of damaging trade tariffs at a time when we are already focused on tackling a pandemic and a recession.”