Reaction to June’s IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI figures

The Vinden Partnership says slowdown following the General Election isn’t a surprise

The latest IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI figures have revealed growth in the construction industry suffered a slowdown in June.

Output for the month fell from May’s figure of 56.0 to 54.8, with economic and political uncertainty as a result of the General Election causing some degree of trepidation amongst clients.

Confidence within the industry also took a hit as optimism fell to its lowest point since December 2015.

There was good news, however, with housing activity continuing its recent strong showing as it increased at its fastest rate for six months.

Peter Vinden, Managing Director of The Vinden Partnership – a leading multi-disciplinary consultant company to the built environment, said: “It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the General Election has led to a stall in growth in the construction industry.

“No doubt the uncertainty surrounding the current political situation has led to a loss of confidence within the sector. This can be seen in the lowest levels of optimism recorded so far this year.

“Construction companies still have concerns over the increased cost of products and having enough skilled workers to complete their projects.

“The positive is the continued strong performance of the house building sector, recording its second fastest rise since December 2015.

“I think we can expect similar results in the short term as the country searches for stability in Parliament and positive progress in Brexit negotiations.”

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