UK services growth at 3-year low as Brexit doubts grip boardrooms

London

THE prospect of Britain voting to leave the European Union sent shivers through the boardrooms of the country's dominant services sector last month, driving growth to a near three-year low.

New orders in the sector rose in February at the weakest pace since early 2013, prompting companies to cut the rate of hiring to levels last seen 2-1/2 years ago, a survey showed on Thursday.

"Survey responses reveal that firms are worried about signs of faltering demand, but boardrooms have also become unsettled by concerns regarding the increased risk of 'Brexit', financial market volatility and weak economic growth at home and abroad," said Markit's chief economists, Chris Williamson.

It was the first time Markit, which compiles the influential index, cited the outcome of the June 23 referendum on Britain's EU membership as a factor denting business…