Prospects not too gloomy - IBEC

The employer’s body IBEC says its latest survey shows that manufacturing prospects for its members are not as gloomy as first thought.

A quarter of the companies surveyed during January are predicting an upturn in production despite a weakening trend.

The IBEC/ESRI monthly industrial survey shows fewer companies are expecting a slowdown than two months ago, with most describing the December-January period as the lowest point of manufacturing activity.

Expectations for exports, which picked up last month, were somewhat weaker in January, but the trend suggests export levels will hold in the first quarter.

However, there is bad news for those seeking work, with expectations for employment up to April remaining weak, with companies not predicting a sufficient demand to merit additional recruitment.