GROWTH in the UK's dominant services sector slowed sharply in October after a month dominated by jitters over global economic prospects.
The Markit/CIPS services purchasing managers' index stood at a lower-than-forecast 56.2, compared to 58.7 in September and the lowest reading since May last year.
A reading above 50 denotes growth.
The sector, which represents three-quarters of UK economic output, adds to recent signs of a slowdown in the UK economy.