January growth boosts construction - graduate jobs

The news that the construction sector returned to growth in January after December's severe winter weather could boost the employment prospects of graduates looking to forge a career in the industry.

They might be pleased to discover that latest Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) survey - where a reading above 50 indicates growth - rose to 53.7 in January from 49.1 in December, as better weather conditions gave the industry a much-needed lift.

Sub-sectors housebuilding, civil and commercial all benefited from an increase in activity in January - the first time this has happened since August.

The construction sector slipped into decline in December for the first time since February after helping to lead economic growth in the second and third quarters of 2010.

But January's figures saw a return to growth in activity, with civil the strongest performing category, while housebuilding brought an end to a four-month period of contraction and commercial grew for the 11th consecutive month.