Activity in the services sector grew strongly in September as increasing orders led many firms to recruit more staff, according to the latest NCB Purchasing Managers' Services Index.
The survey-based index recorded a reading of 61.8, compared with 62 in August, well above the positive growth target of 50.
NCB's senior economist, Eunan King, said the September results show that confidence remains high in the sector with new business expand strongly. Employment growth expanded again , if at a marginally
diminished rate from August.
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However service providers reported that cost pressures from higher oil prices and wages remain a concern.