The recent strong performance of Britain's construction industry could result in an increase in the popularity of bricklaying courses, after official data revealed an unexpected upturn in its fortunes.

According to revised figures recently released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the industry registered output of 8.6 per cent in the second quarter, exceeding an earlier estimate of 6.6 per cent and pointing to continuing growth.

"It does look incredibly strong, but there were good reasons for construction to be strong in the second quarter," said BNP Paribas economist Alan Clarke. "The snow had melted and the government was spending in a final fling before the election."

However, the post-recession rebound of the wider UK economy is expected to slow somewhat during the second half of the year, as the impact of public spending cuts begins to bite.

The National Federation of Builders welcomed the ONS data and urged the government to continue to support construction firms.

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