Weather impact challenging for building industry

The wettest February on record and winter storms added to the challenges facing Jersey's builders according to an industry representative.

Mike Osborne, chair of the Chamber of Commerce's Building, Housing and Environment Committee, said: "The weather has been against us, but the real impact is that there isn't enough work for the industry."

Jersey Met's Senior Forecaster Matt Winter said 180mm (7 inches) of rain fell in Jersey last month, which is double the normal amount.

Osborne said the rain made it difficult for those operating on building sites in what was already a challenging economic environment.

He said damage from storms put up insurance fees and labour costs increased in order to prepare for bad weather and to clear up afterwards.

He said: "The industry is short of work at the moment.

"We know there are other headwinds presently from events in the Middle East that are pushing up importation prices and fuel prices and many other costs."

Osborne said it was difficult to improve efficiency without regular demand for building.

He called on changes to be made to the planning system by Jersey's government to reduce costs from the "inception stage through to delivery" .

Osborne also said he hoped potential funding streams including the Investment in Jersey Fund and the Island Construction and Engineering Programme would help the industry.

The BBC has asked the government for comment.

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