UK homebuilding returns to growth but commercial sector slumps

The downturn in Britain’s construction industry abated slightly in June as homebuilding returned to growth, but commercial building activity tumbled thanks to mounting worries about the economy, a survey has shown.

The S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 48.8 from 47.9 in May, a six-month high but still below the 50 threshold denoting growth. A Reuters poll of economists had pointed to a reading of 48.4.

The survey showed a split picture of Britain’s construction market.