Activity in the State¿s services sector showed a slight rise last month as growth of new business picked up from July, a business survey published this morning has indicated.
The NCB Purchasing Managers' Service Index rose to 52.5, from 52.0 in July.
NCB said that although the index gained on last month, activity remained subdued to that seen in the first five months of the year.
"August saw a slight acceleration in the overall rate of growth in activity after three months of deceleration," NCB senior economist Mr Eunan King said.
"Confidence remains high but the pace of incoming business is within capacity and the level of work outstanding is falling.
"Employment as a consequence declined for the second month in succession," he added.
NCB said the survey had recorded the ninth consecutive rise in order book volumes, which it said was a sign that underlying demand remained solid.
