Manufacturing employment falls

The shift of manufacturing from Ireland to lower-cost economies is beginning to have an effect on employment, new data showed today.

According to the NCB Purchasing Managers' Index, employment in the industry fell for the first time in March.

However, in general, Irish manufacturers recorded improvement in operating conditions in March.

The PMI posted 51.7 during March, above the critical 50.0 mark separating expansion from contraction. The index has stayed above this critical mark since September 2003.

Manufacturing output grew for the 43rd month in a row, and, despite easing slightly, production growth remained robust. This has been partly attributed to new order gains and efficiency improvements.

There was a moderate rise in new order volumes in March, while prices charged also grew. Higher input costs were also recorded but had little effect on robust buying activity.