It marked the highest reading since February, as construction abroad (-7% vs -18.7% in July) decreased at a softer pace.

Meanwhile, domestic output (5.4% vs 5.8%) slowed, dragged down by further declines in repairs & maintenance (-7.5% vs -0.6%) and buildings (-11.2% vs -5%).

On the other hand, both new construction (10.8% vs 9.2%) and engineering works (41.1% vs 27.8%) grew at a faster rate.

On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, construction output was 0.3% lower than in July.