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Friday, September 4, 2026 · UTC
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UK construction sector contracts for 20th month as housebuilding weakens, PMI shows

S&P Global UK Construction PMI fell to 44.3 in August, marking 20th consecutive month of contraction led by weak housebuilding.

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As of 2026-09-04 10:05 UTC. Market figures are as the cited sources reported them at that time and may have moved since. This is news, not investment advice.
In August 2026, the S&P Global UK Construction PMI fell to 44.3 from 44.7 in July, marking the 20th consecutive month of contraction. [1] The S&P Global UK Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 52.5 in August from 52.1 in July, representing the strongest growth since April. [2] The S&P Global UK construction PMI recorded a reading of 44.3 in August, down from 44.7 in July, indicating continued industry contraction. [3] Prime Minister Andy Burnham intends to ramp up the supply of social housing, and the weakness in the UK housebuilding sector underscores the challenge he faces. [4] Thomas Pugh, chief economist at RSM UK, stated that the sector continues to struggle against a backdrop of higher energy prices, elevated market interest rates, and persistent uncertainty over planning reforms. [5] Tim Moore noted that a sharp and accelerated drop in residential activity more than offset slower falls in the commercial and civil engineering sub-sectors. [6] Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, stated that a faster downturn in house building was the main reason for the weaker overall performance during August. [7]
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  1. In August 2026, the S&P Global UK Construction PMI fell to 44.3 from 44.7 in July, marking the 20th consecutive month of contraction. · Investing.com
  2. The S&P Global UK Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 52.5 in August from 52.1 in July, representing the strongest growth since April. · Investing.com
  3. The S&P Global UK construction PMI recorded a reading of 44.3 in August, down from 44.7 in July, indicating continued industry contraction. · The Independent
  4. Prime Minister Andy Burnham intends to ramp up the supply of social housing, and the weakness in the UK housebuilding sector underscores the challenge he faces. · Investing.com
  5. Thomas Pugh, chief economist at RSM UK, stated that the sector continues to struggle against a backdrop of higher energy prices, elevated market interest rates, and persistent uncertainty over planning reforms. · The Independent
  6. Tim Moore noted that a sharp and accelerated drop in residential activity more than offset slower falls in the commercial and civil engineering sub-sectors. · The Independent
  7. Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, stated that a faster downturn in house building was the main reason for the weaker overall performance during August. · The Independent
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