An index of purchasing manager data from Markit and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Supply (CIPS) fell to 50.1 in September from 52.6 in August, the lowest score by the same measure since December last year.

The weak construction figures contrast with surprisingly in September, and come at a delicate time for Britain's economy as .

"Activity growth slowed to near-stagnation, with constructors relying on work on existing contracts to support output. This therefore bodes ill for construction activity in the coming months," said Sarah Bingham, an economist at Markit.

"UK construction companies continued to struggle in the face of growing concerns about the wider economy, with weaker client confidence leading to a reduction in new business received during September," she added.

A sluggish housing market has dented the appetite for new residential construction, while have reduced the public funds available for civil engineering projects.