Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBritain’s private sector activity has plummeted to its weakest level in 14 months, primarily driven by a period of "sustained weakness" within the crucial services industry. The S&P Global flash UK composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI) registered 49.4 for June, a decrease from 49.7 in May, marking the lowest level since April 2025 and falling below the 50.0 threshold that indicates growth. The services sector endured its weakest month in three years with a PMI reading of 48.7, attributed to sharply increasing costs and a drop in customer confidence amid concerns over the Iran war and political uncertainty within the UK. Although manufacturing output saw a temporary uptick due to businesses building safety stocks ahead of potential price increases, manufacturers experienced a softening of new orders, reaching a six-month low. Businesses continued to raise prices in June, albeit at a slower rate than in May, as they reacted to persistent cost pressures stemming from the Middle East conflict and government policy, despite a slight moderation in prices paid. In fullUK economy faces contraction as private sector activity hits 14-month lowThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

India's private sector growth slowed in June, hitting a three-month low as weaker demand impacted both factories and services. Business confidence dipped to its lowest since…

India's private sector growth slows to a three-month low in June, as demand and business confidence decline, PMI reveals.

The services sector drove the downturn in the UK economy as lower customer confidence and rising costs hit businesses.

UK Composite PMI dropped to 49.4 in June 2026, marking a second consecutive month of contraction as firms cut jobs faster and new orders weakened.

India's private sector growth in June hit a three-month low, as weaker demand and declining business confidence dampened factory and services activity, PMI data revealed.

It also came as firms continued to increase prices in reaction to cost pressures from the Middle East conflict and government policy

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Most worrying was the further fall in employment, notably in the manufacturing sector...