Service sector firms recorded a return to growth in business activity at the start of the second quarter. The expansion was underpinned by the first rise in new business since last November, which in turn prompted another increase in staff numbers. Meanwhile, work-in-hand continued to fall, although the rate of decline eased from March. On the price front, costs continued to rise sharply, despite the rate of inflation easing to its softest for a year. Firms were partially able to pass on higher prices to consumers, with average output charges increasing at the fastest rate since January. The headline seasonally ... (full story)