UK service providers experienced a modest rebound in business activity growth during February, supported by the fastest rise in new work since May 2017. The latest survey also pointed to stronger job creation across the service economy, with payroll numbers rising to the greatest extent for five months as firms sought to boost operating capacity in response to improved order books.

The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Services PMI Business Activity Index registered 54.5 in February, up from 53.0 in January, to signal the strongest rate of service sector output growth for four months. Higher levels of business activity were attributed to the resilient economic backdrop and an associated upturn in new work.