A Markit/CIPS survey shows that the UK construction sector expanded in December. For the first time in 9 months, all three of the main construction categories (civil engineering, residential and commercial) experienced increased activity, although the expansion in commercial activity eased its slowest since December 2010.

 

The seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI rose to 53.2 in December, up from 52.3 the previous month. 

 

Sarah Bingham, Economist at Markit and author of the Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI:

 

“PMI data signalled a positive end to 2011 for the UK construction sector, with output rising again on the back of another increase in new business...

 

“House building, commercial construction and civil engineering all saw higher activity in December. However, the sustainability of the overall rise in output remains uncertain, with confidence about the year ahead still relatively subdued. Optimism continues to be hindered by concerns regarding low client confidence and worries over wider economic and market conditions."