The UK construction sector fell deeper into contraction in May 2026, as the S&P Global Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declined to 38.2 from 39.7 in April. The latest reading, updated on 4 June 2026, signals a sharper deterioration in activity across the industry and remains well below the 50.0 threshold that separates expansion from contraction.
The weakening from April’s already low level underlines persistent headwinds facing the sector, including subdued demand and ongoing pressures on project pipelines. With the PMI entrenched in contractionary territory for a second consecutive month, the data points to a challenging near-term outlook for the UK construction industry and raises fresh concerns about its contribution to broader economic momentum.
