Services sector hit by severe weather

THE Irish services sector activity shrank at its sharpest rate in almost a year last month following severe weather conditions that dampened customer confidence.

After staying about the 50 mark for seven of the last eight months the NCB services PMI fell to 47.4 from 50.8 in December, signalling contraction.

New orders also fell sharply from 49.0 to 46.2 in December.