Manufacturing exports highest in four years despite jobs decline Economics Export orders across the manufacturing sector hit its highest level in four years and a half despite a continued decline in employment across the sector, new research has shown. S&P Global’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) has pointed to upbeat news on the UK economy ahead of tomorrow’s Spring Statement, which will be delivered by Chancellor [...]
Employment falls despite manufacturing output hitting new high Economics Employment across the manufacturing sector dropped despite output jumping to its highest level in 17 months, new data has shown. Manufacturers continued shedding staff due to high pay and tax pressures, according to S&P Global’s latest purchasing managers index (PMI). The poor reading for the labour market came in direct conflict with more positive results [...]
Jobseeker numbers rise ‘sharply’ in labour market setback Economics The number of jobseekers rose “sharply” in December alongside a slump in demand for new hires, analysis has shown, posing a threat to the future of the UK labour market. Analysis of S&P Global’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) indicated the jobs market weakened further at the end of last year, undermining hopes of a recovery [...]
Construction marks full year of decline in blow to Labour January 7, 2026 The construction sector has now marked one full year of a decline in output, according to a leading survey, blowing a hole in Labour’s ambitious housebuilding targets. S&P Global’s monthly survey showed the sector had fallen under a threshold for neutrality in output for the twelfth successive month. The reading for December was also the [...]
Cost burden on firms rise at fastest pace since May January 6, 2026 Cost burdens on firms rose at their fastest pace since May as bosses dealt with wage growth pressures and sky-high energy prices, new data has indicated. S&P Global’s latest purchasing managers’ index (PMI), a monthly survey tracking hundreds of companies’ performances, showed that cost increases became heavier at the end of last year. Researchers said [...]
Jobs losses continue in service sector despite ‘rebound’ in UK growth December 16, 2025 Jobs across the services sector declined in December despite some signals of a “rebound” across the UK economy in new survey data. Analysts at S&P Global said staffing numbers across UK firms continued to drop as the year drew to a close due to “intense cost pressures”. The services sector suffered the most significant drop [...]
Budget knocks confidence to two-year low amid ‘deteriorating conditions’ December 15, 2025 Households’ nerves about future finances has jumped to a two-year high, a top survey has indicated, with extra taxes expected to dampen activity in the UK economy. S&P Global researchers have said that Britons were more pessimistic about their financial health over the next twelve months than at any time since December 2023, with confidence [...]
Construction in worst downturn for five-and-a-half years December 4, 2025 The construction sector suffered its worst downturn in output for five and a half years last month, new figures have shown, in a warning to the Labour government as it hopes to build 1.5m homes by 2030. A monthly S&P Global survey showed that the decline in output rapidly accelerated over the month, with the [...]
Businesses shed staff at ‘fastest rate since February’ December 3, 2025 Businesses laid off staff at the fastest rate in nine months as growth in the UK economy suffered a “renewed slowdown”, new data has indicated. S&P Global’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for November suggested growth marginally changed over the month, with researchers pointing the finger at pre-Budget speculation keeping bosses on edge. The composite PMI [...]
UK economy flatlines in November as Labour growth push fails November 21, 2025 The UK economy flatlined in November, researchers have suggested, as pre-Budget nerves have hit growth across the private sector. S&P Global’s initial estimate for its purchasing managers’ index (PMI) has shown the UK economy just inching up, with firms pausing orders and investment plans before Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces sweeping tax hikes and possible spending [...]