THE UK's service sector has maintained its strong growth, with companies taking on extra workers to meet rising demand.

Firms are now facing increased backlogs of work, with higher market demand and confidence, according to a new report.

The Markit/CIPS UK Purchasing Managers' Index, says companies are reporting some of the best results since 1996.

The survey says the service sector recorded a level of 60 in November, boosted by record levels of new business.

Any figure above 50 marks growth in the industry, Last month, Markit/CIPS bosses revealed the service sector had expanded at its fastest pace for more than 16 years, with activity at its strongest since May 1997.

Chris Williamson, Markit chief economist, said the results were good news ahead of Chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement.

He said: “Although signalling an easing in the rate of growth in November, the services economy continues to signal an impressively strong pace of expansion and one of the best performances for the sector since 1996.

“Job creation is also surging as companies report increasingly buoyant demand, and rising employment will help sustain the upturn through improved consumer confidence and spending.

“There is also scope for growth to pick up again in December, with new business hitting a record high in November, with demand surging from both consumer and corporate customers.”