UK services sector jumps in June

Private sector services exceeds expectations, but experts warn the economic recovery remains unbalanced as manufacturing slump continues

Private sector services grew more than expected in June, suggesting the UK's economic recovery picked up going into the second half of the year.

The Markit/Cips purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose by 2 points last month to 58.5, exceeding forecasts in a Reuters poll and remaining above 50, the figure that separates growth and contraction.