The construction industry in Scotland
The construction industry affects us all, whether it is maintaining our existing infrastructure and heritage, or creating new environments to live and work in. However, it is one of the most fragmented industries.
The industry’s issues and requirements often vary between urban and rural areas within Scotland. The needs of the local, national and international markets served by the construction industry can also differ. Also important is the scale of the repair and maintenance sector in Scotland, and its special needs in terms of knowledge, skills and materials for our traditional and historic pre-1919 buildings.
Key facts about the Scottish construction industry
- The gross domestic product of Scotland’s construction industry grew by 5.4 per cent in 2006-2007. This compares to 2.4 per cent growth in the wider economy and 1.8 per cent growth in the UK construction sector.
- In quarter two of 2007, the construction sector accounted for 161,000 jobs.
- The number of self-employed workers has increased to 51,000, a rise of 38 per cent between 2006 and 2007.
- Output has grown over the last eight years at an average rate of 3 per cent per year.
- In 2006, there were 41,435 enterprises in the construction sector.
- Turnover was approximately £13.4 billion in 2005.
- Productivity, calculated as gross value add (GVA) per employee, was around £45,000 in 2004. This figure is roughly 28 per cent higher than the average Scottish GVA per employee in 2004 (£35,000).
- GVA was valued around £5.6 billion in 2004, accounting for just about 7 per cent of total Scottish GVA (£82.9 billion).
Find more information and statistics on the construction industry:
Find out more about strategic initiatives on the Sector Skills Council for construction website
Find out more about planning and building in Scotland on the Scottish Government website
Find Scottish labour market information on the Future Skills Scotland website
Scottish Construction Key Performance Indicators
The Scottish Construction Forum produces Scottish construction industry key performance indicators (KPIs). The KPIs help organisations to measure and benchmark critical issues that affect economic, environmental and workforce performance.