A construction industry observer has expressed surprise at a recent report indicating widespread pessimism among buyers of bricklaying tools.
The Federation of Master Builders this week stated that many companies are expecting further declines in their workload over the next few months.
However, Nick Whitten of Construction News believes this contradicts some of the other indicators that have emerged recently.
"The national statistics suggest that there has been, if not some improvement, then some levelling off," he commented.
As a result, he is surprised that construction firms do not appear to be more optimistic.
Mr Whitten said he believes the mood is "slightly more upbeat" than it was six months ago, particularly among house builders.
Meanwhile, the government has been urged not to cut the amount of funding being allocated towards its home building programme.
The National Housing Federation (NHF) said it should be given the same level of importance as areas such as health and education.
This would help boost the take-up of bricklaying tools such as rose brick trowels over the next decade, while the NHF also believes it would safeguard lots of jobs.
The Federation of Master Builders this week stated that many companies are expecting further declines in their workload over the next few months.
However, Nick Whitten of Construction News believes this contradicts some of the other indicators that have emerged recently.
"The national statistics suggest that there has been, if not some improvement, then some levelling off," he commented.
As a result, he is surprised that construction firms do not appear to be more optimistic.
Mr Whitten said he believes the mood is "slightly more upbeat" than it was six months ago, particularly among house builders.
Meanwhile, the government has been urged not to cut the amount of funding being allocated towards its home building programme.
The National Housing Federation (NHF) said it should be given the same level of importance as areas such as health and education.
This would help boost the take-up of bricklaying tools such as rose brick trowels over the next decade, while the NHF also believes it would safeguard lots of jobs.