Eurozone economic growth has picked up further this month, securing the region’s escape from recession, but the pace of recovery could be losing momentum, according to a survey.

September’s purchasing managers’ indices for the 16-country region showed a second consecutive monthly expansion in private sector economic activity. However, the improvement was less than expected and the survey indicated that job cuts were being accelerated. France appeared to be powering much of the growth – while Germany’s recovery lost tempo.