The CSO last week released its index of employment in the construction sector. This index has 2000 as its base year, with 100 the average value of the index in 2000. The index peaked in September 2006 at 113.8 and the October 2008 value is 83.6: this represents an 18.1 percent decline since October 2007 and a 26.5 percent decline from its peak.