June data indicated a sustained upturn in UK service sector output, but the rate of expansion eased to its weakest for three months amid a much softer rise in new orders. In contrast, staffing levels expanded at the fastest pace since last September as improving candidate availability helped to boost recruitment. Service providers recorded another sharp increase in their average cost burdens. Rising salary payments offset falling energy and transportation bills. However, the latest overall rise in business expenses was the weakest for just over two years. Prices charged by service companies meanwhile increased at the ... (full story)