Fall In Services Output

The Index of Services from the ONS decreased by 2.3% in November 2009 compared with November 2008. Four of the five components recorded a decrease. The only one to increase was distribution with an increase of 2.1%. The index for November 2008 was 107 but November 2009 reported an index of 104.6 (100=2005). The index increased 0.1% on last month.

The biggest contributions to the increase in distribution were retail at 3.5% and motor trade at 7.7%. Hotels and restaurants output decreased by 5.8% in November compared with the same time last year and 7.1% in the quarter compared to last year. Business services and finance decreased 4.4% on the month and 5.5% over the quarter compared to the same period last year, but recorded an increase of 0.1% on last month.