Activity in the British service sector slowed during September 2026, according to preliminary survey data published on 23 September 2026 at 08:30 GMT. The S&P Global Services PMI Flash for the United Kingdom fell to 51.7, coming in below the market forecast of 52 and down from the 52.5 reported in the previous period.
Understanding the Services PMI
The purchasing managers index measures business conditions across service providers, with readings compiled from monthly questionnaires sent to company executives. A reading above the 50 mark indicates that activity expanded compared to the prior month, while a figure below that threshold denotes a contraction. The measure tracked lower this period.
While the September reading of 51.7 marks a decline from the prior period’s 52.5, the figure remains above the 50 threshold that separates sector growth from contraction in the United Kingdom.
Related: UK Manufacturing PMI Flash Rises to 52 in September
Source: S&P Global
