An index designed to measure the health of the manufacturing sector of the economy has fallen to a record low.
The NCB Purchasing Managers' Index recorded 43.4 in July, the lowest figure in the survey's history, down from 44.7 in June. Any figure below 50 means activity is shrinking.
There was a sharp fall in new orders, with companies blaming falling demand at home and reduced export orders, with the stronger euro affecting UK business. Employment also fell, for the fifth month in a row. The employment index, at 42.8, was the second-lowest in the survey's history.
The costs index also set a record of 74.7, with firms blaming higher oil and metals costs. The index which measures prices charged by companies also rose to 56.7.
NCB economist Eunan King said conditions for the sector remained tough, due to the strong euro and weak demand. He said cost pressures were also forcing companies to raise prices.
