Last modified on Sat 15 May 2021 14.03 EDT
By tradition, the wits of every construction apprentice are tested with two errands early on in their career: to ask the foreman first for some tartan paint and then a long weight.
The joke is ringing even more hollow than usual on building sites across the UK, where firms needing essential building supplies are facing some very, very long waits. The British building industry is in the midst of a supply crisis. From roof tiles to steel, timber to insulation, paint to kitchen sinks, products are scarce – and when they can be found, they’re expensive.
UK constructions firms reported a “strong” increase in activity last month as coronavirus restrictions continued to ease, according to new figures.
The closely followed IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index recorded a score of 61.6 in April, showing a marginal slow-down in growth from its March figure of 61.7.
Any figure above 50 in the index represents growth.
The March figure had highlighted the strongest growth in output for six-and-a-half years, and analysts had predicted a larger slowdown in activity, with a consensus of experts forecasting a 61 reading for April.
The latest report revealed that workloads increased on the back of the fastest rise in new orders since September 2014.
UK constructions firms reported a “strong” increase in activity last month as coronavirus restrictions continued to ease, according to new figures.
The closely followed IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index recorded a score of 61.6 in April, showing a marginal slow-down in growth from its March figure of 61.7.
Any figure above 50 in the index represents growth.
The March figure had highlighted the strongest growth in output for six-and-a-half years, and analysts had predicted a larger slowdown in activity, with a consensus of experts forecasting a 61 reading for April.
The latest report revealed that workloads increased on the back of the fastest rise in new orders since September 2014.
‘Strong’ jump in construction activity as Covid restrictions ease further
Construction activity continued to rebound in April according to new figures (Gareth Fuller/PA)
UK constructions firms reported a “strong” increase in activity last month as coronavirus restrictions continued to ease, according to new figures.
The closely followed IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index recorded a score of 61.6 in April, showing a marginal slow-down in growth from its March figure of 61.7.
Any figure above 50 in the index represents growth.
The March figure had highlighted the strongest growth in output for six-and-a-half years, and analysts had predicted a larger slowdown in activity, with a consensus of experts forecasting a 61 reading for April.
Construction activity continues pacey growth but inflation fears loom
(AFP via Getty Images)
UK construction activity continued its rapid growth in April, but the burst of activity saw the rate of input cost inflation rise to its highest levels since 1997.
IHS Markit’s construction Purchasing Managers Index registered 61.6 last month, only fractionally below March’s record reading of 61.7. Any figure above 50.0 indicates an overall expansion of construction output.
Once again commercial construction work led the way, but the civil engineering sector was the most notable grower, showing its fastest increase in output since 2014.
Construction companies often cited increased levels of work on major infrastructure programmes, including contract awards from HS2 and Highways England.