One expert has suggested that changes in the construction sector will reflect trends within the wider economy and it is not possible to predict what the outlook is for users of brick tools.
Alex Hawkes, associate editor at Construction News, said that there is currently no way of knowing whether the industry will return to growth or experience a double dip.
"The key thing would be to what extent the offices and retail markets really return to the construction sector and that, in turn, is about the strength of the UK economy as a whole," he said.
The latest Markit and Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Construction Purchasing Managers' Index showed that the industry had expanded at the weakest rate for four months, with a reading of 54.1 per cent in July, compared with 58.4 per cent posted in June.
Mr Hawkes explained that there have been cuts in public spending since the election as well as changes to the planning system, which have seen many housing schemes abandoned.
Posted by Ryan Gilbert
Alex Hawkes, associate editor at Construction News, said that there is currently no way of knowing whether the industry will return to growth or experience a double dip.
"The key thing would be to what extent the offices and retail markets really return to the construction sector and that, in turn, is about the strength of the UK economy as a whole," he said.
The latest Markit and Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Construction Purchasing Managers' Index showed that the industry had expanded at the weakest rate for four months, with a reading of 54.1 per cent in July, compared with 58.4 per cent posted in June.
Mr Hawkes explained that there have been cuts in public spending since the election as well as changes to the planning system, which have seen many housing schemes abandoned.
Posted by Ryan Gilbert