Construction companies optimistic

CONSTRUCTION activity fell again in November but at the weakest level since February.

Although another mixed bag, the latest edition of the monthly Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) from Ulster Bank, gives some hope to the beleaguered building sector, with many companies still optimistic over economic conditions improving next year.

However, October’s rise in new business levels gave way to a slight fall in orders in November, and job losses increased at a substantial pace. Any new work that did come in was insufficient to justify employment levels, respondents claimed, resulting in the 55th consecutive month of layoffs among relevant firms.