The British construction sector expanded notably in February, but the pace of expansion eased since January as adverse weather conditions disrupted activity, survey data from Markit Economics showed Tuesday.
The construction Purchasing Managers' Index fell less than expected to 62.6 in February from a 77-month high of 64.6 in January. The score was forecast to drop to 63.5.
The index has posted above the 50.0 no-change level in each month since May 2013.
Higher levels of output and new business resulted in further sharp increases in both employment and purchasing activity. Job creation hit a three-month high in February.
Overall input price inflation accelerated from the five-month low in January as supply chain pressures contributed to higher cost burdens. As a result, average rates charged by sub-contractors increased at a survey-record pace.
"There appears an undiminished depth of belief among construction companies that strong growth will be sustained this year, helped by more favorable economic conditions and an ongoing house building recovery," said Tim Moore, senior economist at Markit.
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