UK construction growth edges higher in August

Positive PMI data raises hopes that building sector can make stronger contribution to economic growth

Britain's construction industry expanded at a healthy pace in August, according to the key survey of the sector, boosting hopes that economic growth remained resilient into the third quarter.

The monthly purchasing managers index, from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, jumped to 57.3, from 57.1 in July, well above the 50 mark that signals expansion.