The influential S&P Global/ CIPS flash UK composite purchasing managers index showed a reading of 47.2 in October, below September’s 49.1.
economic sector
Shares jump in London after Johnson withdraws from leadership race
Both the FTSE 100 and the pound gained on Monday, while the cost of Government borrowing fell.
Average person could face significantly higher taxes, ex-bank governor warns
Lord King of Lothbury outlined the challenge for the next prime minister to confront high inflation.
Keir Starmer warns markets are spooked by Tory ‘psychodrama’
The Labour leader also urged disillusioned Conservative MPs to put the interests of the British people first.
Dockers to stage new strike with pay dispute unresolved
Members of Unite in Liverpool will walk out on Monday.
More travel misery for rail passengers with fresh strike
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on Avanti West Coast walked out for 24 hours in a row over rosters.
Handwritten John Lydon Sex Pistols lyrics sell at auction for over £50,000
The lyrics were part of a private collection of artwork, posters and documents which sold at Sotheby’s auction house for a total of £354,567.
Jenny Gilruth: Minimum service level transport Bill is threat to devolution
The legislation aims to ensure a minimum service level during transport strikes.