UK construction growth continues

Construction activity in the UK grew last month, according to a closely-watched survey, but experts warned the wider economy was still likely to have stagnated at the end of last year.

The Markit/CIPS purchasing managers’ index survey for construction, in which a reading above 50 represents expansion, rose to 53.2 in December from 52.3 in November, boosted by new business and a rise in employment.