Construction: CIPS/Markit survey reveals 11-year low in demand

Tue, 6 Jan 2009

Construction activity in December hit an 11-year low, with demand falling across the sector.

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) and Markit’s construction index for December reached a new low of 29.3 points (with 50 indicating no change). 

Iain Atkinson, associate director, Construction & Real Estate, Hudson UK & Ireland, told Recruiter a decrease in activity has had a direct affect on recruitment in the sector.

However, Atkinson notes that December was a traditionally a quiet month, adding the company has seen continued demand in public sector construction and international placements.

“Companies who have ongoing projects are still seeking highly skilled project and commercial management staff to ensure projects run on time and to budget ensuring profitability as a result,” he says.

Construction company payrolls were cut for the seventh consecutive month, according to the index.