Builders still in recession as worst part of economy

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A survey by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply today showed the sector shrank for the 23rd month running in January.

The Cips index of activity — where 50 marks the cut off between growth and contraction — rose from 47.1 in December to 48.6.

Pace of growth for housebuilders slowed after a strong end to last year while commercial and civil engineering activity fell again.

The Cips chief executive, David Noble, said: "Construction continues to be the worst-performing sector of the UK economy. Particularly disappointing is the slowdown in house building as this has been one of the few bright spots in recent months."

He warned of a number of "headwinds" facing the sector. "There are concerns that the aftermath of the General Election will see the public purse drawn tighter leading to few major infrastructure investments outside of the Olympics and Crossrail.

"What's more, though we're starting to see jobs cut at a slower rate, there is concern that as recession carves out a new shape for the industry, these positions will never be refilled."

Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight said: "The overall impression is that the construction sector is stabilising after enduring a major recession."