UK Stocks -- Factors to watch on July 3

LONDON, July 3 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening
fairly flat on Friday, with financial bookmakers calling it down 5 points to up
4 points, stabilising after sharp falls in the previous session.

Trading is expected to be very thin, however, as U.S. markets will be closed
on Friday ahead of Independence Day.

The UK blue chip index ended 106.44 points lower on Thursday at 4,234.27,
sliding sharply in tandem with a plunge on Wall Street after the U.S. jobs
report showed non-farm payrolls falling by more than expected in June.

In the absence of much else, investors will look to the June UK service
sector PMI, scheduled for release at 0828 GMT to provide some direction.

* Bleak payrolls report mauls Wall St; volume thin [ID:nN02297873]

* Nikkei drops 1 pct after US jobs, Seven & I slides [ID:nL3727992]

* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asia stocks slip [ID:nHKG107592]

* FOREX-Euro off lows as market seeks direction after jobs [ID:nT281259]

* TREASURIES-Bonds gain as payrolls data drives safety bid [ID:nN0293557]

* Oil falls towards $66 after bleak U.S. jobs data [ID:nSYD532794]

* PRECIOUS-Gold rises as dollar eyed, ETF unchanged [ID:nT282389]

* METALS-Copper edges lower on data, demand outlook supports [ID:nSHA210795]

UK stocks to watch on Friday are:

RIO TINTO (RIO.L)

Underwriters to global miner Rio Tinto rights issue have sold the Australian
"rump" at A$48.50 each, a 6.3 percent discount to Rio's last traded price, Rio
said in a statement on Friday.[ID:nSYU006789]

BHP BILLITON BLT.

The world's biggest miner, has agreed to sell its Yabulu nickel refinery to
Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer for an undisclosed amount, BHP said in a
statement on Friday. [ID:nSYU006787]

TESCO (TSCO.L)

The largest retailer in Britain is set to face strong opposition to its
planned share option scheme changes at its annual general meeting on Friday, the
Financial Times said.

Also, Tesco is expected to face protests over its treatment of migrant
workers at the meeting, being held in Glasgow, The Independent said.

MITCHELLS & BUTLERS (MAB.L)

The pubs and bars operator will offer its two biggest shareholders,
billionaire Joe Lewis and Elpida, the investment vehicle for tycoons JP McManus
and John Magnier, board representation in an attempt to head off a potential
rebellion, the Financial Times said.

BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING (BSY.L)

The satellite broadcaster and ESPN of the U.S. are soon expected to announce
a joint bid to screen the next four years of Scottish Premier League football
matches, The Independent said.

BRITISH AIRWAYS (BAY.L)

The airline delivers June passenger traffic numbers.

BALFOUR BEATTY (BALF.L)

The contractor issues a first-half trading update.

FINDEL (FDL.L)

The home shopping firm holds its annual general meeting.

BIG YELLOW GROUP BGY.L

The self-storage company holds its annual general meeting.

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION (RERWE.L)

The alternative energy firm holds its annual general meeting.

TODAY'S UK PAPERS

> Financial Times [PRESS/FT]

> Other business headlines [PRESS/GB]

(Reporting by Jon Hopkins)