Identify and describe social and economic benefits of the construction industry in both national and local terms.?

Answer 1

describe the social and economic benefits of the construction industry in both mational and local terms

National economic benefits

The construction industry is vital to the UK economy which makes up about 10% of the county's GDP and has been a driver of GDP growth in this country.

There are about 3million jobs in the construction industry in the UK making up about 8% of the national workforce. Over 60% of these are lower skilled labourers with relatively limited alternative employment opportunities.

Nationally, the construction industry undertakes work on infrastructure projects such as motorways and railway upgrades, sports stadia (such as the Olympic stadium for 2012), and contributes through the tax system to the wealth of the UK economy.

Local economic benefits

Locally the construction Industry provides employment through projects, and creates a market for local plant and material suppliers and all of the ancillary service areas that are required such as waste skips. Local firms also employ apprentices in all trades many of who may go on to start their own companies, perpetuating the local skill market.

Social benefits (National)

By investing in construction you can help to reduce crime. For example by considering urban regeneration and constructing affordable housing with community centres you can breath life into a once run down area giving the people a sense of worth. European grant money is often available for this also. If you design and build an environment that is an attractive place to live then it will socially benefit that area as people then have a sense of belonging.

Social benefits (Local )

The success of a project can be greatly enhanced by getting the local community actively involved in the project. This alone could give a project a sustainability factor. A good example of this would be where a housing development was designed where cars are not allowed. Added value to a project could be done for example by providing ample car parking spaces when offices are closed on a Saturday to support the local retail market. Crime can also be reduced by installing CCTV and by also designing out black spots in regenerated areas. Security lighting and gated communities help to reduce crime also.