UK services sector cuts jobs for first time in six years

Britain's economy risks stalling or contracting as Brexit nears and a global slowdown worsens, with firms in the dominant services sector reporting job cuts for the first time in six years and falling new orders.

Sterling slipped to near two-week lows against the dollar after a leading gauge of the world’s fifth biggest economy, the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), fell to 50.1 in January from 51.2 in December.

That marked the PMI’s lowest level since July 2016, and was barely above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction. A Reuters poll of economists had expected a reading of 51.0.

Britain’s economy defied forecasts from some economists that it would go into recession after the 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU. But growth slowed sharply in late 2018 as worries mounted about an abrupt no-deal Brexit.

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Overall, the survey suggested Britain’s economy is flat-lining after losing momentum late last year.

“The risk is that activity softens further – firms will become increasingly risk-averse and implement contingency Brexit planning,” ING economist James Smith said.

Tuesday’s figures are likely to worry Bank of England officials ahead of their latest interest rate decision announcement and new forecasts for the economy on Thursday.

The report adds to other signs that Brexit – scheduled for March 29th – is taking its toll on businesses and consumers. Investors are urging the government to ensure an orderly EU exit.

Financial risk

On Monday, a Deloitte survey of chief financial officers showed appetite to take on financial risk had fallen to its lowest level in nearly a decade due to fears of "the hardest of Brexits" and rising US protectionism.

That caution was evident in Tuesday’s survey, covering the bulk of Britain’s private sector economy.

New orders fell for only the second time since the financial crisis, while employers cut jobs for the first time since late 2012 – around the last time Britain flirted with recession.

“The survey results indicate that companies are becoming increasingly risk-averse and eager to reduce overheads in the face of weakened customer demand and rising political uncertainty,” Mr Smith said.

New export orders contracted at the fastest pace since records for this part of the PMI began in September 2014. – Reuters