UK construction sector growth accelerated in July to its fastest pace since May last year, with strength in housebuilding and a catch-up from bad weather earlier in the year providing a boost, a survey shows.

The survey, published yesterday by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, also shows the fastest rise in employment in the UK construction sector since December 2015.

CIPS said: “Survey respondents commented on improving demand conditions, higher volumes of new project starts and, in some cases, a degree of catch-up from the bad weather earlier in 2018.”

Housebuilding activity grew strongly but expansion was significantly weaker in civil engineering.