Construction industry activity in the U.K. collapsed to a 23-year low in April as sites closed due to COVID-19 ordered lockdowns, according to the latest IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index. The index plunged from 39.3 in March to 8.2 in April.
Civil engineering recorded an index of 14.6 while commercial and residential business fell to 7.7 and 7.3, respectively. Lead times for delivery of products and materials was the longest since the survey began in 1997, with 75% of respondents reporting delays. Many also reported poor supplies of safety products.