The construction sector avoided another slowdown in April as housebuilding grew at its fastest pace in five months.
The IHS Markit/CIPS purchasing managers’ index rose to 50.5, above the neutral 50 threshold and forecasts of 50.3, and better than March’s reading of 49.7. Although housebuilding activity expanded, commercial work and civil engineering activity continued to decline.
A number of firms said uncertainty over Brexit was forcing clients to delay spending decisions.
