Latest survey from Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply shows consecutive increases, with housing demonstrating strongest growth
Construction activity has risen for the second month in a row, according to the latest survey from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.
Activity increased at a quickening pace, with the survey registering a score of 58.2 in April, compared with 53.1 in March. The index is scored out of 100, where any figure over 50 indicates a rise inactivity.
The consecutive increases in activity follow a two year decline. The survey showed commercial activity rising for the first time since 2008, and all of the three sub-sectors 鈥 housing, commercial and civil engineering increase their score.
Housing continued to show the strongest growth, with only civil engineering鈥檚 index remaining below 50, indicating a decline in activity.
The survey said construction companies were still laying people off, despite the pick-up in sales, albeit at the lowest rate since August 2008.
Purchasing activity also picked up for the second month in a row, delivering a consequent jump in the price of raw materials.
David Noble, chief executive officer of CIPS, said the figures were encouraging.
He said: 鈥淭hough the industry is moving in the right direction, we mustn't be lulled into complacency as growth is coming from a very low base and operating conditions are still very difficult.
"While purchasing managers noted a growing appetite for new contracts, civil engineering is still a sore spot with little activity. It鈥檚 a worry considering what impact post-election spending cuts and rising input-price inflation might have on the sustainability of the sector鈥檚 recovery.鈥
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