An estimated fall of 1.1% in construction output in the third quarter of this year has helped to hold the UK economic growth in recessionary territory.

Much to the surprise of many analysts the UK economy appears to have remained in recession, with GDP output falling 0.4% in the three months of July, August and September.

These are however only preliminary estimates and will be revised. And in recent quarters revisions to the estimated construction output have caused sharp revisions.

But these figures, which show construction 13% down on a year ago, will dampen optimism as it seems the clamp of the recession is still tight around the UK economy.