Construction output in Britain grew at its fastest pace in seven months in August, boosting job creation but also putting strain on suppliers, industry data showed on Tuesday. The monthly Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index (PMI) for construction climbed to 64.0 in August from 62.4 in July, exceeding all the forecasts in a Reuters poll of economists. Output grew in each of the housing, commercial and civil engineering markets, Markit said. Readings above 50 indicate year-on-year growth in activity. Those below 50 represent contraction. British construction companies took a beating from the financial crisis and ... (full story)