UK construction activity contracted slower in Sept 2025, with jobs still falling for ninth month.

UK construction activity contracted at a slower pace in September 2025, with the S&P Global PMI rising to 46.2 from 45.5, its highest level in three months, though still below the 50 threshold indicating contraction. The decline in output, new orders, and employment eased, with job losses continuing for the ninth straight month—the longest streak since the pandemic. Weak demand, economic uncertainty, and client hesitation ahead of the autumn budget hindered new project starts. While some progress was seen in energy and infrastructure projects, business optimism remained low, and input costs stayed high.