Construction growth of 0.9% bucks wider shrinking economy

Construction output rose 0.9% in April, marking the third month of growth in a row and defying a 0.3% drop in overall UK GDP.
The latest ONS figures show new work drove the gains, jumping 1.4%, while repair and maintenance edged up by 0.3%.
Infrastructure and private commercial jobs led the new work charge, up 2.0% and 1.7%, respectively. The only fall came from private industrial work, down 1.2%.Output in the three months to April rose 0.5%, with new work up 0.9% and maintenance just 0.1%.
Cliv