UK services sector job cuts continue as companies automate, PMI survey shows

‘Longest period of job shedding’ in 16 years taking place as business activity grows at fastest rate since August • Business live – latest updates Companies in the UK’s services sector cut jobs last month, as they turned to “automation” rather than hiring new staff, a closely watched survey showed. The monthly purchasing managers’ index showed employment numbers fell more sharply in January compared with December, continuing a trend that started in October 2024.