Northern Ireland's building industry is remaining resilient despite political uncertainty, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The organisation's latest State of Trade Survey for Q2 2018 reveals workloads, enquiries and expected workloads rose by 21% between April and June this year to +47%.

With 54% of NI builders reporting positive responses, only 7% suggest a decline in current or future workloads.

However, more than three quarters of builders expect material prices to continue to rise over the next six months, while 65% of SMEs are struggling to hire bricklayers and 60% are struggling to hire carpenters.

Gavin McGuire, Director of FMB NI, said the research indicates NI's building industry is in "robust health".

"Indeed, this is the first time over the past two years that NI builders have seen two consecutive quarters of rising optimism," he said.

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"These latest results are particularly impressive when you consider the challenges facing all builders in the shape of rising material prices and significant labour shortages. Three quarters of small building firms believe that material prices will rise in the next six months and currently, two thirds are having difficulties hiring bricklayers and 60% are struggling to find carpenters and joiners. These shills shortages are pushing up wages and salaries and putting further pressure on construction SMEs in the shape of rising costs."

Continuing, Mr McGuide the industry's resilience is all the more remarkable given the current political uncertainties in the country.

Northern Ireland has been in a political deadlock since January 2017 after Stormont collapsed due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal.

Mr McGuire said: "Construction SMEs have very real concerns about the impact of the ongoing political deadlock in Stormont, and the uncertainty around the outcome of Brexit negotiations.

"Recent research by FMB NI found that three quarters of SME builders in NI believe that if the deadlock in Stormont continues, it will hamper growth. Just imagine what NI's builders could achieve if we had a working Executive able to take forward major projects and make key decisions about economic development and housing.

"This would provide much greater confidence for these firms to plan and grow, with enormous long term benefits to NI. Stormont must move forward, and we must have more clarity on Brexit in order to ensure that current growth is sustained."

(LM/MH)