The contraction of the construction market slowed in April to its lowest level for eight months in April at 38.1 index points (with 50 equalling no change).

The decline compares to 30.9 index points in March, according to the CIPS/Markit UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index.

Brian Smith, managing director at Scottish construction recruiter Vanguard, told Recruiter a number of the major house builders had increased the number of staff they had on site, after re-starting ‘mothballed’ sites. 

Roy Ayliffe, director at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS), says: “Confidence in future sector performance has improved. A number of purchasing managers also noted that previously postponed contracts were expected to recommence.”

However, Ayliffe added the improvement was “against a backdrop of ongoing market uncertainty, fewer new orders and fierce competition”.