FTSE seen opening flat

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

The 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 9:28 a.m. to provide some direction.

UK stocks to watch on Friday are:

RIO TINTO

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.

BHP BILLION

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.

BRITISH AIRWAYS

The airline delivers June passenger traffic numbers.

TESCO

The retailer hosts its annual general meeting.

BALFOUR BEATTY

The oil services firm issues a first-half trading update.

FINDEL

The home shopping firm holds its annual general meeting.

BIG YELLOW GROUP

The self-storage company holds its annual general meeting.

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION

The alternative energy firm holds its annual general meeting.

(Reporting by Jon Hopkins)