Lockdown lifting is starting to have an impact on the 海角视频 economy as confidence is beginning to improve, a major national survey has shown.
The latest NatWest Regional PMI data for June showed falls in output slowing in most regions, with some even showing slight growth.
But while business confidence improved, all regions saw further job losses.
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The regional PMI surveys monitor the monthly change in the output of goods and services across the private sector, with any reading below 50 showing contraction.
The strongest trends in business activity were seen in the East and West Midlands, with both regions seeing a Business Activity Index reading of 50.4 - their first increases in output for four months. Activity fell in all other nations and regions, though at a slower rate than May. The worst performing area was Scotland, with an index of 37.1.
Three regions saw a rise in new business in June - Yorkshire & the Humber, the East Midlands and the West Midlands.
Employment fell in all regions for the fourth consecutive month, though the rate of decline slowed. The East Midlands saw the slowest rates of decline, followed by the North West and South East. The most marked rates of job losses were seen in the North East and London.
Business confidence improved in most parts of the 海角视频, with Wales the most confident area.
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Sebastian Burnside, NatWest Chief Economist, said: "There were positive signs for all areas of the 海角视频 in June, as the PMI data for every region improved further from the historic lows seen in April.
"In most cases, downturns in activity eased markedly and local economies across the 海角视频 moved closer towards stabilisation, however we continued to see a degree of variation in regional performance. It was across the Midlands where the data showed the most positive trends in business activity, with Yorkshire & Humber also displaying signs of stronger demand.
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"At the other end of the scale, Scotland, with its relatively slower pace of reopening, was furthest behind on its path to recovery.
“A common theme across all areas of the 海角视频 is a sustained decline in employment. Rates of staff shedding have continued to moderate in all areas, but with businesses still generally operating well below capacity, we've seen another round of marked job cuts across the board.
"With the furlough scheme set to be wound down over the coming months, the outlook for the labour market is clouded in uncertainty.
"Nevertheless, with the survey indicating a general improvement in business confidence towards future activity, firms feel that the worst is behind them and their focus is now on making up the lost ground."