The services sector continued to grow in November, according to the latest Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS)/Markit survey.

The Business Activity Index in November recorded 56.6, down from October’s 26-month high of 56.9.

The Index also shows that new work increased at fastest rate since September 2007 but there was a 19th successive monthly round of job cuts in November.

David Noble, chief executive at CIPS, says: “The service sector is continuing to grow but at a steady rather than spectacular rate. Some may be hoping to see growth accelerating faster, but operating conditions remain tough.”

Gary King, director at Collins King & Associates, told Recruiter: “The hospitality sector is very buoyant. There has been an increase in business and clients are gearing up for next year. Other recruiters are feeling the same. London is bouncing back. We already have a lot of business in for January and have hit target for the month.”

Peter Burgess, managing director at Retail HR, adds: “Things are a lot better. Trade is remarkably good, especially in the West End. It was a big disappointment that we are not out of recession but almost everyone expects us to be come January.”