Activity in the UK's construction sector shrank last month at the fastest pace since the pandemic, partly due to uncertainty ahead of the Budget, a closely watched survey has indicated. The research from S&P Global said November saw the steepest fall in output for five-and-a-half years, led by a downturn in infrastructure and housebuilding. It added that commercial construction also faced "severe headwinds" last month as concerns over possible Budget measures "pushed clients to defer investment decisions".