British construction industry slowed down with supply and workforce shock

The growth of the construction industry in the UK slowed down in September 2021 due to the crisis in the supply chain and shortage of workforce.

According to IHS Markit CIPS data, the manufacturing industry purchasing managers index (PMI), which was 55.2 in August, fell to 52.6 in September.

In the PMI data, which is known as the sector-based leading indicator in the markets, above 50 indicates growth, and below this level, contraction.

It is known that the number of transport drivers, workers and carpenters working in road construction and installation works in the construction sector, whose growth rate has decreased for the last three months, is insufficient compared to demand.

Tim Moore, Director of IHS Markit, commented in the statement, "September data points to a serious loss of momentum for the construction industry as labor shortages and the supply chain crisis have combined to disrupt activity on the ground." said.

There is a shortage of transport truck drivers

With the UK's departure from the European Union (EU), the decrease in the number of transport vehicle drivers who are EU citizens and the new type of coronavirus (Kovid-19) epidemic caused problems in the country ranging from the food sector to the manufacturing and energy sector.

Experts state that the total number of transport drivers in the country is about 100,000 less than what is currently needed.

In the statement made by the Petroleum Retailers Association (PRA) in England, it was stated that more than a fifth of the gas stations in the southeast of the country and London do not have fuel, and the fuel crisis in Scotland, Wales and the interior regions is almost over.

Armed forces personnel in the country began carrying fuel to gas stations as of October 4.

About 200 soldiers, including 100 drivers, are providing "temporary" support to ease the pressure on the stations, according to the British government statement.

Due to the lack of heavy vehicle drivers after Brexit and the epidemic, there have been problems in the delivery of fuel to gas stations in the country in recent weeks.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on the other hand, stated in his speech yesterday that despite the recent supply chain crisis in the country, this year's Christmas period will be better than last year.