New work was the only driver behind this, moving up by 5.7%, while repair and maintenance fell by 0.2%.

The ONS report cites “anecdotal” evidence that supply chain bottlenecks easing, a strong demand for work, and with mild and dry weather powered November’s construction growth.

The data also shows that construction output in November was 1.3% above February 2020’s number (pre-pandemic), with repair and maintenance 6.9% above, although new work was 1.6% below.

Assetz Group chief executive Stuart Law comments: “Surprisingly, construction output grew 3.5% in November, while new private housing saw an even greater increase at 5.5% month-on-month.

“Nonetheless, in a year which saw construction output hampered more broadly by supply chain issues, inflation, post-Brexit trade struggles, and labour and material shortages, housebuilders have had a difficult time in increasing output to meet the huge demand for new homes.

“Despite today’s figures, I expect these issues will continue to prove challenging for housebuilders in 2022, as they also look to adapt quickly to meet new environmental regulations, achieve the required 31% reduction in carbon emissions, and satisfy new requirements around EV charging points.”