Construction grows at the weakest pace over rising building costs

Monthly construction industry index  shows a reading of 53.9 for March, above the 50.0 no-change mark but down from 58.4 seen in February

The conflict in Ukraine, higher transport costs and material shortages all added to pressure on supply chains.

The soaring price of building materials has led to a slowdown in construction growth with new orders and employment all rising at slower rates new data shows.

The latest monthly construction industry index, published by BNP Paribas, still indicates growth, albeit at a much slower rate than previously.