Construction sector declines prompt recession fears

UK construction sector growth slowed to its lowest level in 10 months in January, prompting warnings that the industry could slip into recession in the event of a "no deal" Brexit scenario. IHS Markit's purchasing managers’ index slipped to 50.6 in January, down from 52.8 in December and just above the 50-mark that divides growth from contraction. Homebuilding was the strongest sector, in a potential reflection of the state support provided by the help-to-buy scheme for first-time buyers. Duncan Brock, group director at CIPS, warned that the construction sector “only needs a small nudge to tip it closer to recession”.

The Times (05/02/2019)  The Guardian (05/02/2019)