Good and bad news regarding the UK construction industry. British construction activity contracted for a 21st month running in November but the pace of decline eased and new order volumes rose for the first time since February 2008, a survey showed on Wednesday. The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply/Markit construction contracts PMI index rose to 47.0 in November, its highest since August, from 46.2 in October. The recent rise in house prices boosted residential construction, which expanded for a third month running and at its fastest rate in over two years. But both commercial and civil engineering sectors reported further declines and employment overall declined for an 18th consecutive month.