Job losses in the construction sector rose at record levels, according to March’s figures from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) and Markit.

Roy Ayliffe, director at CIPS, said: “Unremitting global forces continued to batter the UK construction sector in March. Purchasing managers reported further falls in overall construction activity with housing, once again, faring the worst. 

“Inevitably, extremely weak demand led to a significant loss of construction jobs. Firms not only reduced contractors’ days but also cut headcount at an unprecedented pace.”

However, overall activity increased on February’s figures, with the index increasing to 30 from February’s series low of 27.8 index points.