‘Longest period of job shedding’ in 16 years taking place as business activity grows at fastest rate since August
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Companies in the UK’s services sector cut jobs last month, as they turned to “automation” rather than hiring new staff, a closely watched survey showed.
The monthly purchasing managers’ index showed employment numbers fell more sharply in January compared with December, continuing a trend that started in October 2024.
The PMI survey, which is considered to be one of the most reliable indicators of how a sector is performing, said this was the “longest period of job shedding” in the UK services sector in 16 years, with firms also choosing not to replace voluntary leavers.
