UK economy hit as service sector reports big fall in new orders

Car sales slump as reports claim firms are laying off staff as Brexit uncertainty deters consumers from major spending

Britain's flagging economy suffered a further blow in October after companies in the key services sector reported a decline in new orders for the seventh month this year and car sales slumped again, taking the annual decline to 6.7%.

Analysts blamed the weaker outlook on Brexit uncertainty, which continued to take its toll on business and consumer confidence at home and abroad.