UK Services PMI Falls Sharply in September
The S&P Global Flash UK Services PMI fell to 51.9 in September 2025 from 54.2 in August which was the highest since April 2024, and well below forecasts of 53.5.
The reading indicated a slowdown in the services sector, with providers citing stronger business and consumer spending, though overall momentum remained constrained by subdued UK economic conditions and heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
Service providers again recorded a particularly steep rise in their operating expenses, which was attributed to elevated wage pressures and efforts by suppliers to pass on higher payroll costs. There were also reports of rising energy bills, food prices and technology costs.
Service sector firms recorded a solid rise in their prices charged, with the rate of inflation only slightly lower than seen on average in the year-to-date. Finally, business confidence weakened amid challenging economic conditions, squeezed budgets among clients and heightened business uncertainty.
Source: Trading Economics
