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UK Construction Industry Declines at Slowest Rate for Eight Months
The reading rose to 46.1 from 44.3, but new orders stayed subdued and house building remained the weakest area, S&P Global said.
- The Global construction PMI rose to 46.1 in September, improving from 44.3 in August and marking the strongest industry performance for eight months, though remaining below the 50.0 growth threshold.
- Tim Moore, economics director at Global Market Intelligence, noted all sub-sectors stabilized relative to rapid declines earlier in 2026, though the industry remains in contraction after consistent declines since January 2025.
- Commercial building activity saw its smallest decline since May 2025, while House building remains the weakest performer. Moore said new orders were 'relatively subdued', with around 25% of firms reporting rising purchasing costs.
- Carly Thorpe, construction and engineering partner at Walker Morris, said 'The modest improvement in September' reflects stronger civil engineering and favourable weather conditions. Reduced workloads caused continued job cuts, with employment falling each month since January 2025.
- Market activity continues shifting from residential development toward infrastructure-led sectors like transport and data centres. These areas maintain stronger investment pipelines, supporting the industry as it edges closer to recovery.
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Slowest fall in UK construction output since January
The headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – an index tracking changes in total industry activity – picked up from 44.3 in August to 46.1 in September, which signalled the least marked downturn in output volumes for eight months. Slower rates of con...
Construction decline slows marginally says S&P PMI - Builders Merchants Journal
Construction activity fell at a slower pace than in August, but total news orders fell at the steepest pace for three months, bringing business optimism down to its lowest point since May. That’s the headline results from the latest S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index™ for September. Slower rates of contraction were seen in …
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 40%
C 60%
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