Business

Survey data also found that private sector growth rebounded this month as firms sought to build up stocks.

Redwater Insights said 500 North Sea oil and gas wells are already overdue for decommissioning, and a further 1,700 are due to be plugged.

A survey for the Invest For The Future campaign indicated that 10.1 million savers are interested in learning more about investing.

The FTSE 100 closed down 21.63 points at 10,476.46.

The Government will do all it can to ensure continuity of service, Royal Mail pensioners were assured.

Property prices in the capital fell annually for the seventh month in a row in February, according to the Office for National Statistics

Average property values in London fell annually for the seventh month in a row in February, the Office for National Statistics said.

The ONS said the rate of UK unemployment dropped sharply to 4.9% in the three months to February, down from 5.2% in the three months to January.

Rain Newton-Smith highlighted that British firms see increased trade with Chinese firms as an opportunity to drive growth.

Chris Bose, ABI director of general insurance policy, said: “In helping over 35,000 households find suitable insurance when they might otherwise struggle to access cover, the directory is delivering exactly…