UK construction in contraction for first time since Brexit vote aftermath

September PMI records negative growth for first time in more than a year following a sustained drop in new work

Britain's construction industry has contracted for the first time since the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote, as rising political uncertainty leads to a sustained drop in new work.

September data revealed a difficult month for building companies, as new projects failed to materialise to replenish jobs planned before the referendum. The drop in workload was attributed to fragile confidence and subdued appetite for risk, especially in the commercial building sector.

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