The decline in construction purchasing increased in October, according to figures from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply

The CIPS said the survey showed that the construction industry remained firmly in recession, with the index falling to 46.2 from September’s figure of 46.7. The index is based on a survey of purchasing managers asked whether orders had increased or decreased in the month, with any figure below 50 representing a decline in orders.

The figure has remained below 50 for the past 21 months, with the lowest point being February 2009.

It is also the second month in a row in which the decline has quickened. This had eased over the summer.

The survey, conducted for economic consultant Markit, said the decline in civil engineering activity was the fastest recorded in seven months.

Jobs were also cut at their sharpest rate in four months. Housebuilding was the one bright spot: it grew for the second month in a row.

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