The latest figures from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply show the industry has experienced its fastest growth since before the recession, but the head of the body has warned that political uncertainty could spark “the jitters”.

The survey from CIPS shows that construction activity has risen for the second month in a row, showing a score of 58.2 in April, compared with 53.1 in March. Any figure over 50 indicates a rise in activity.

However, David Noble, chief executive of CIPS, said the rise could be short-lived. He said: “How the public sector reduces spending remains an issue for us all and will affect the construction industry. Any prolonged period of doubt and indecision is likely to make things worse.”