UK Boost as construction flourishes

British builders enjoyed their best month for almost a year during February, giving fresh boost to the UK economy.

Fears of a double-dip recession faded as the UK construction sector threw off the poor weather to beat even the most optimistic predictions.

The closely-watched Markit/CIPS construction Index – where anything over 50 represents growth – jumped to 54.3 in February, up from 51.4 in January.

It was the strongest reading since March last year and raised hopes that the economy has bounced back from the slump in the final quarter of 2011.

Last month new work flooded in at its fastest rate in almost two years, with demand rising for house-building, commercial construction and civil engineering.

The improved performance of the construction sector adds to other positive data released on the UK economy.

Optimism in the construction sector about future work rose to its sunniest levels in nine months, the survey showed.