Last month's PMI did show some positive industry output, up from 49.5 in September, and bettering expect's predictions for 49.1. However, new orders fell for a fifth consecutive month and employment shrank as firms cut jobs at the fastest rate since August 2011.

David Noble, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, said: “Despite marginal growth in October, the prospects for the construction sector are bleak as firms prepare for the worst. They are heading into a long, dark winter, by shedding jobs and laying off subcontractors in response to the longest decline in new business since the start of the financial crisis in 2008/2009".