Construction activity sees record fall

Construction activity has fallen to its weakest level since records began in 1997, according to a Chartered Instritute of Purchasing Supply (CIPS) survey.

The construction PMI index has fallen to a low of 36.7 last month, compared to 38.8 in the June.

Roy Ayliffe of the CIPS said: "Housing was again the sick man of the industry, as levels of activity plunged to a record low."

"July marked an end to constructors' optimism about recovery, as spirits were knocked by the persistent and rapid decline in new business and activity," he added.