Fears over UK construction skills shortage after output slump

Building sector takes unexpected tumble in August, prompting fresh calls for increase in infrastructure spending and skills training

Construction firms say a skills shortage threatens to delay major building projects, after official figures showed the sector contracted sharply in August.

Output in the industry fell by 4.3% on the previous month, surprising City economists, who had expected a 1% rise.

Related: Housebuilding drives UK construction sector growth in September