UK service providers recorded a rise in business activity during April, thereby signalling a return to growth following the marginal decline seen during the previous month. However, the rate of expansion was only slight, and another fall in new work highlighted that subdued underlying demand conditions persisted. Employment numbers were broadly unchanged during the latest survey period, with companies reporting that higher wage costs and weaker sales had led to cautious staff hiring policies. The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Services PMI® Business Activity Index posted 50.4 in April, up from March's ... (full story)