UK construction sector suffers sharp slowdown

ONS says output fell 3.6% in March from previous month, fuelling fears that EU vote uncertainty is hampering economy

Britain's construction sector suffered a sharp slowdown in the opening months of this year, adding to signs the economy is losing momentum as uncertainty around the EU referendum and the global outlook increases.

The Office for National Statistics said construction output - which accounts for about 6% of the economy - fell 3.6% on the month in March. It was the biggest drop for more than four years.

3.6% fall in construction in March, with both new work and repair & maintenance both falling by 3.6% https://t.co/voiTrqNdBc

1.1% fall in construction in Q1, slightly bigger than the 0.9% fall estimated in preliminary #GDP https://t.co/voiTrqNdBc