The rate of decline within the UK construction industry was the slowest for 18 months last month, figures from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply revealed

The seasonally adjusted CIPS/Markit Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index posted 47.7 in August, up slightly from July’s 47. A figure of 50 is neutral, without growth or contraction.

Nonetheless, there was a clear fall in activity in all three subsectors of the construction industry: housing, civil engineering and commercial.

The decline in the commercial sector was marginal and decline within the housing subsector eased markedly, while the fall in civil engineering activity worsened during the month.

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