The Construction Products Association (CPA) has responded to the sharp fall seen in the UK Construction Purchasing Managers Index during the month of June.

The figures, published on 4 June by Markit/CPIS, show that the Index fell to 46.0 in June, down from 51.2 in May. This This marks the first time since April 2013 that the index was below 50. Anything above 50 denotes growth in the market, while levels below 50 indicate a decline.

Professor Noble Francis, economics director at the CPA, said: "This was a very sharp fall in the Markit/CIPS for construction activity in June overall and particularly in private housing and commercial, two of the largest sectors.

"In terms of what we have seen within the industry, commercial activity in central London still continues apace and there is also still a lot of activity in cities like Birmingham and Manchester. The uncertainty prior to the referendum, however, has had an impact on new contracts signed, especially for smaller projects.

"In terms of housing, private housebuilding continues but we are seeing evidence that this same uncertainty has had an impact on new housing starts. Infrastructure activity was broadly flat, which is not surprising as it has a longer lead in time, so the majority of work occurring in this sector is on large projects based upon contracts signed in 2014 and 2015.

"Our own surveys in the months before the vote showed that uncertainty around the event was dampening business confidence and investment across the industry. Though the PMI figures were largely generated before 23 June, it will serve to highlight the impact of uncertainty on UK construction whilst government formulates a plan ahead."