New construction, sales and marketing jobs UK wide have been pretty thin on the ground over the last 18 months. Whilst the industry has been hit harder than any other in the British economy, there are some encouraging signs that things will pick up in 2010.

The housing market is hopefully starting to kick on again with banks more willing to approve mortgages. Figures from the Bank of England showed the mortgage approval figures for November were at their highest for 18 months.

Some companies in the industry such as the Irish builder?s merchants Grafton Group are claiming that they see signs of green shoots in its UK businesses, which could be promising for construction, sales and marketing jobs. UK businesses in the construction industry are certainly not out of the woods with the industry shrinking for the 22nd consecutive month in December.

However, this latest survey from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) did indicate an increase in residential construction activity, which reached its highest level since August 2007. CIPS chief executive David Noble said: ?Purchasing managers also remain confident that 2010 will be a much better year for the construction sector and that it will begin to grow again.???

Employment agencies such as HR UK Recruitment continue to advertise opportunities for construction, sales and marketing jobs. UK construction faces a tough year ahead but as and when the snow and ice across the country melts, hopefully we will see those green shoots really starting to sprout.