The Impact of Construction on Society, the Economy and the Environment

Employment in the Construction Industry The Construction industry in Northern Ireland employs approximately 11% of the working population. This percentage changes depending on the value of construction activities taking place at any given time. Construction activities can broadly be divided into four main categories:- New domestic construction New commercial or civic construction Renovation/maintenance work to existing buildings Civil Engineering

Employment in the Construction Industry The number of people employed in construction impacts on society, the economy and the environment. The following table shows the range of managerial personnel employed on a large construction project. There are also a considerable number of people employed at craft level including joiners, bricklayers, plasterers, plumbers, electricians and many others.

Site Organisation for a large Construction Project.

The world economy has slowed down in recent years resulting in less demand for commercial property. The slow down has also created a financial crisis in the banking sector. The banks have less money to lend people who wish to buy their own home. These two factors have impacted on the demand for new buildings particularly in Ireland. Property in some areas has dropped to half price. The following tables show the labour market structure in Northern Ireland over a four year period. Impact of Construction

Labour Market Structure for N.I.. © Northern Ireland Labour Market Press release March 2011

Labour Market Structure for N.I. © Northern Ireland Labour Market Press release March 2011

Impact of Construction These tables clearly show an increase in unemployment over the last few quarters of this 4 year period. There has also been a slow down in local and national government spending on capital projects. All these factors have worked together to reduce the amount of construction activities taking place during 2011 within the UK and Ireland and much of Europe. Ultimately the amount of construction activity/spending impacts on the amount of money that is available to spend in the economy on consumer products etc.

Less money available from lenders, resulting in less demand for domestic properties. In turn this means less speculative development. All these impact on the demand for labour. Slow down in the economy. Economically mobile construction employees move to more lucrative opportunities across Europe or indeed the world. Summary