The UK's service sector declined slightly in November from the previous month, according to figures released by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

The service sector - which accounts for nearly three quarters of the British economy - saw business activity decline marginally from 56.9 in October to 56.6 in CIPS's business activity index.

However, October's figures were the best for over two years, so the outlook is still positive for the industry.

"The service sector is continuing to grow but at a steady rather than spectacular rate," said David Noble, chief executive at CIPS.