According to the January UK Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) from Markit/Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), UK Service Sector growth increased in the survey’s history, putting the Index at its highest level for 10 months. Described by the report as the ‘single largest monthly improvement in business optimism in the history of the survey’, the figures are certainly good news for contractors who work through umbrella companies in the UK service sector. This rise was described as the ‘strongest in just under four years’ of the survey’s history. Commenting on the results, David Noble, CIPS CEO, said, “A record improvement in the degree of optimism and the highest increase of employment in nearly four years represents a tentative vote of confidence for the year ahead.”

The survey collected data between the 12^th and 27^th of January 2012 covering the sectors of accommodation and food services, transport, storage, information and communications services, finance, real estate, professional services, admin and support services and ‘other services’. The survey also identified evidence of improved confidence amongst those interviewed, with an ‘increased willingness’ to commit to new work.