UK construction rebound picks up pace but housebuilding slump persists

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A rebound in the UK’s construction industry has picked up pace with activity rising at the fastest rate in more than a year, despite a persistent slump in housebuilding. Lacklustre market conditions in the housebuilding segment continued to weigh on activity Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Intelligence Commercial and civil engineering work – which includes building offices and warehouses, and bigger projects such as railways, airports and stadiums – was the prominent driver of growth in April with new work increasing for the third month running. Tim Moore, the economics director for S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “The construction sector consolidated its recent return to growth in April, with total industry activity rising at the fastest pace for 14 months amid an ongoing recovery in order books. “Demand was boosted by greater confidence regarding the broader UK economic outlook.” But he added: “Lacklustre market conditions in the housebuilding segment continued to weigh on activity.” Hiring continued to slow last month with companies keeping a tight control over their business costs.