Mumbai, Sept. 23 -- UK private sector output expanded for the fifth month running in September, but the rate of growth was only modest and eased to its lowest since May, according to the latest S&P Global Flash UK PMI survey data.

Subdued demand and pressure on margins from sharply rising input costs contributed to another reduction in private sector employment numbers. Moreover, business activity expectations for the year ahead eased to a three-month low in September, with survey respondents widely commenting on weak client confidence alongside heightened political and economic uncertainty.

At 51.0 in September, the headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global Flash UK PMI Composite Output Index eased markedly from August's 12-month high of 5...