Worries about the Iran war as well as political uncertainty in the UK were weighing on demand for building work last month.

S&P Global’s monthly survey has shown that business activity across the UK economy declined in May, ending a 13-month run of growth.

May’s score in the S&P Global UK services PMI survey marked the first time business activity has decreased since April 2025.

S&P Global’s construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) showed that business activity declined at the fastest pace for six years.

Worries about the Iran war as well as political uncertainty in the UK were weighing on demand for building work last month.