Housebuilders and developers boost construction figures

8th December 2017

IHS Markit's purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the UK construction sector rose to 53 in November, smashing expectations, as housebuilders and developers forged ahead. Business activity rose at the strongest rate since June, IHS Markit said, while new orders and employment numbers also increased by their most in five months. Housebuilding rose to 56.6 in November, its highest level since June. Meanwhile the commercial construction index remained in negative territory at 48.4 while the civil engineering component edged up to 49.4. “Extended tepid economic activity an d heightened economic, political and Brexit uncertainties are clearly hampering the construction sector,” Howard Archer, chief economic advisor to the EY Item Club, said.

Financial Times (04/12/2017)   The Daily Telegraph (04/12/2017)