Growth in the UK construction sector was sustained for a second consecutive month in April, with increased activity in both residential and commercial sectors.
The growth rate was the strongest seen since September 2007, according to the Markit/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index.
Markit economist Sarah Ledger said April had seen increased activity in both residential and commercial construction sub-sectors due to new contract wins, but employment had yet to rise.
“Optimism over future business prospects continued to improve, despite sustained concerns over potential cuts in government spending,” she said. “This suggests that growth in private business may help to offset any impending weaknesses in public sector demand.”
CIPS CEO David Noble said the continued construction improvement “suggests that the whole UK economic recovery has real substance”.
But Mr Noble did admit to being worried that the corner had still not been turned with regard to “relentless job cuts in the industry”.
