A new report shows that activity in the service sector of the economy fell in December for the first time in three months, as companies were affected by the severe weather.
The NCB Services Purchasing Managers' Index recorded 47.4, down from 50.8 in November. Any figure below 50 means that activity fell.
New orders fell for the fourth month running, with the rate of decline accelerating to 46.2. Firms blamed freezing weather conditions. New export orders also fell, though only marginally.
Companies were more optimistic about their prospects, however, with this part of the index jumping from 55.2 in November to 62.2, as firms expected further growth in export markets.
Employment levels in the service sector dropped for the 34th month in a row, with the employment index dropping to 47.8 from 48.7 in November.
But firms' costs rose in December, having fallen for the previous two years, mainly due to higher fuel costs. Prices charged by firms fell sharply again, held back by intense competition.
The service sector includes business services, financial services, telecoms, media, transport, travel and tourism.
