November data highlighted a modest rebound in business activity across the UK service sector, which ended a threemonth period of decline. Rising output reflected a slight rise in new orders, but survey respondents continued to report subdued demand and low confidence among clients. Service providers experienced another sharp increase in their average cost burdens, largely due to rising staff wages and elevated inflationary pressures across the broader economy. Efforts to limit the squeeze on operating margins led to the steepest increase in service sector charges since July, although the rate of inflation remained ... (full story)