Service sector sees slowest growth for four years

Figures released today show that the service sector continued its growth in September, but at the slowest rate for more than four years.

The NCB Purchasing Managers' Services Index was at 54.8 last month down from 57 in August.

If the figure goes above 50 it means the sector is growing.

NCB economist Eunan King said companies blamed weakness in the construction sector, as well as the crisis in credit markets.