Construction squeeze

RISING costs and economic worries started to restrict growth in the construction sector last month, but businesses are still expanding, data has showed.

A survey found the increased prices that firms are paying for energy, fuel and raw materials led to cost inflation hitting its highest since last September. The S&P Global/CIPS construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey gives the sector a score each month. If it is over 50 the sector is considered to be growing, while under 50 is considered contraction.

After two months at 59.1, the index posted a drop to 58.2 in April. Of those surveyed, around 45pc said it was taking longer to get goods delivered.