A measure of activity in the construction sector fell to another record low in January, while the pace of job losses accelerated.
The Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers' Index recorded 25.7, the lowest level since the survey began in 2000. This beat the previous low of 27.4 set in December last year. Any figure under 50 means activity fell.
Ulster Bank economist Pat McArdle said the survey confirmed renewed weakness in the building industry since the start of the year. He said the main reasons for the drop were weakness in commercial activity and a 'rapid' falling off in civil engineering.
The employment part of the index fell sharply, but the costs index hit a record low. Mr McArdle said this indicated that competition and the euro's strength were driving prices down.
A breakdown showed that the housing index was 25.4, while the commercial index plunged to 24.1. Civil engineering recorded 28.8. The percentage of companies reporting increases in activity was less than 10% in all three categories.
