UK construction grows at slowest pace for 17 months
Activity in the UK's construction sector grew at its slowest pace for 17 months in December but remains robust thanks to continued growth in housebuilding, a survey has found.
The closely watched Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 57.6 from 59.4 a month earlier. The index remains above the 50-mark which indicates growth in the sector.
Housebuilding continued to drive construction activity, but grew at its slowest pace since June 2013. The weakest construction sub-sector in December was civil engineering, which reported a fall in output for the first time since May 2013.
The weakest construction sub-sector in December was civil engineering, which reported a fall in output for the first time since May 2013.
Despite the slowdown in December, Markit said housebuilders overall had enjoyed their best year since 1997.
Construction companies also reported "a solid increase in new business volumes in December", Markit said.
Read more from BBC News
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