PRIVATE sector output increased modestly in November as job creation rose at its fastest rate since February, according to a survey today.

The Lloyds TSB Yorkshire & Humber Business Activity Index – which measures the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – showed manufacturing production and services activity rose last month, but remained weaker than the long-run series average.

The volume of new business was broadly unchanged.

While private sector firms recruited more staff, employment growth was largely confined to services as manufacturing saw a marginal fall in numbers.

Martyn Kendrick, area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Yorkshire, said the region generally outperformed the UK as a whole. The rate of job creation in particular was the strongest among all 12 UK regions.