Business · 5 March 2026
UK construction shrinks, but optimism hits 14-month high
Unsplash / Mikhail | luxkstn
Britain's construction sector has contracted for 14 consecutive months — the longest unbroken run since the 2007–09 global financial crisis — after S&P Global's Construction PMI fell to 44.5 in February from 46.4 in January, well below the 50-point growth threshold. A sharp acceleration in housebuilding weakness was the main driver, compounded by wet weather and rising input costs. Business optimism was the sole bright spot, reaching a 14-month high amid hopes for lower borrowing costs and new infrastructure spending.
Reported by Reuters / S&P Global · How we write briefs