Small business activity in the UK jumped for first time in six months during March, employment levels in these businesses grew for the first time since the pandemic. The latest figures from NatWest's UK Small Business Recovery PMI show this was the strongest growth recorded since November 2016.

The survey shows this recovery was led by small construction firms, with output among companies rising at the fastest pace for nearly 20 years (June 2001). Job creation was the fastest since January 2020, reflecting extra hiring in this sector.

Optimism among small firms was the strongest since this index began in July 2012, with growth expectations particularly high in construction amid a demand for work on residential projects.

This comes after the industries output grew by 1.6% in February as construction continues to stand head and shoulders above all other sectors.

Read more here: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/small-business-activity-construction-manufacturing-services-uk-economy-coronavirus-230100656.html