Marked slowdown in British construction in April

London

GROWTH in Britain's construction industry slowed sharply in April as companies put off decisions ahead of this week's national election, but confidence remained high and hinted at a post-election pickup, a survey showed.

The monthly Markit/CIPS UK construction purchasing managers' index fell to 54.2 last month, its lowest level in 22 months and down from 57.8 in March. The index was below all forecasts in a Reuters poll and followed a similarly weak reading of Britain's manufacturing sector in April.