Tough for builders - and set to get worse

THE sale of new-build houses has plummeted, trade has dried up for local construction workers - and the worst is apparently yet to come.

By the end of May only 11 new-builds and houses under construction had been sold, compared with 52 by the end of May 2008, according to Ray Sebire who compiles figures for Unusualities of Guernsey.

'The new-build figures give clear proof of a massive slowdown,' he said.

Guernsey Building Trades Employers' Association president Mark Palfrey confirmed that business was very slow.

'We surveyed our members at the start of the year to compare how they were faring and the trend was that there is far less work.'

Mr Palfrey said there was no relief in sight.

'I think it will get worse,' he said. 'There isn't a quick solution.'

He blamed the economic climate for the industry's troubles.

'People are more cautious. A lot of people who work in finance perhaps didn't get their Christmas bonus so they are thinking harder about what they are spending money on.'

The reluctance to build was clearly visible, he said.