Budget measures 'could help construction industry'

Graduate jobs in the construction industry could be supported if several measures were included in this year's Budget, it has been suggested.

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has called upon the government to offer aid to the sector in the announcement from the chancellor, due later this month.

Recommendations from the body include extending the stamp duty holiday and supporting mortgage lenders, which may encourage people to begin buying homes.

HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley commented: "The benefits of boosting housing supply are quite clear in terms of the impact it would have on jobs and the wider economy."

In addition, the organisation said that more public money should be used to "kick-start" construction projects that have been stalled by the onset of the economic slowdown.

In related news, the Federation of Master Builders has backed an Impetus report stating that government investment in eco-friendly home improvements would aid the construction sector.