The S&P Global UK Construction PMI rose to 46.1 in September 2026 from 44.3 in August, undershooting forecasts of 45.2 but pointing to the slowest contraction in construction output since January. Commercial building was the most resilient category, registering only a slight decline, followed by civil engineering and then residential construction, both of which saw softer downturns.
However, overall new orders fell at the steepest rate since June, reflecting weak market conditions, postponed decisions on major projects, and a sharp rise in input costs. Employment continued to decline, with job shedding accelerating to its fastest pace in five months. Demand for construction products and materials also weakened, while supplier delivery times lengthened to their greatest extent since May amid shipping delays and supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
On the cost side, input price inflation eased to a seven-month low. Construction firms remained positive about the outlook for the coming year, though their overall confidence slipped to its weakest level since May.