BRITAIN’S construction industry has experienced its worst month in seven years, according to a respected index published yesterday.

The Markit construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) recorded a worse-than-expected 46 in June — down from 51.2 in May and well below economists’ expectations of 50.6. A reading above 50 indicates growth.

The sharp contraction was driven by a “steep decline” in housebuilding and the first fall in commercial construction work since May 2013.