British construction growth slowed sharply in October to its weakest pace in five months as home-building contracted for the first time in almost half a year, a survey showed on Wednesday.

The report echoed complaints from housebuilders in recent months of a tough market, recording a slowdown in both new business growth and hiring.

The Chartered Institute for Purchasing and Supply said its seasonally adjusted index for construction fell to 53.9 in October from 57.2 in September, the biggest monthly index drop since August 2001.

Copyright Reuters, 2005