Manufacturing recruitment strong in Northern Ireland
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The manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland increased staffing levels at its fastest rate on record in March, according to Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI produced by Markit.
However, the sector saw an easing the rate of business activity growth and new orders, albeit from the record rates posted a few months ago.
The report pointed to continued strong growth of business activity and new orders at Northern Ireland companies more generally, helping to support a record rise in employment. Meanwhile, the rate of input cost inflation quickened sharply and output prices rose, following a reduction in February.
Richard Ramsey, chief economist Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank, said: "At the end of the first quarter of 2014, it is clear that Northern Ireland's private sector recovery is still firing on all cylinders. Local firms have now posted three successive quarters of strong growth.
"The pace of business expansion eased in March, but the corresponding acceleration in new orders growth suggests strong rates in this area should continue for some time yet. Northern Ireland's private sector firms have now reported growth in new orders for 10 consecutive months."
He said the most encouraging aspect of the latest survey concerned employment: "The sustained period of business growth is feeding through into job creation with renewed vigour. Last month firms saw their staffing levels increase at the fastest rate since the PMI survey began in August 2002."
