Construction sector maintains expansion despite major supply chain difficulties

The construction sector has continued to expand despite being slowed by the Omicron variant and supply chain problems, according to recent figures. The latest purchasing managers' index (PMI) from IHS Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) gave a reading of 54.3 for the building industry in December, compared to 55.5 in November - a reading higher than 50 indicating expansion. It attributed tougher pandemic restrictions and rising incidences of coronavirus for residential construction overtaking commercial building to register the highest growth of any segment. Tim Moore, director at IHS Markit, said: "The worst phase of supplier delays seems to have passed as the availability of construction products and materials continued to turn a corner in December".

Daily Mail (07/01/2022)