Employment in manufacturing sector rises at fastest rate for 15 years
EMPLOYMENT in Ireland’s manufacturing sector rose at its fastest pace last month for 15 years, data shows.
Output increased for the 12th month running, with the rate of expansion remaining sharp despite slowing from the previous month.
Higher sales was the main factor leading to an increase in production, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index for the sector.
THE Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has decided not to go ahead with a €3m re-branding exercise, Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has said.
Dr Varadkar said consumer research amongst passengers and business customers showed that most did not want a rebranding. The name DAA excludes Cork Airport, which is also under the authority’s control.
“The response to a proposed name change was firmly negative and considered to be unnecessary, unwarranted, a waste of money and potentially damaging to the reputations of the Dublin Airport Authority and Government,” Dr Varadkar said.
Political instability is top fear for business leaders
IRISH and British business leaders fear political instability more than any other threat, according to a new report.
Almost a third of Irish and UK business leaders are worried about political instability while under a quarter worry about the end of the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing programme. A fifth are concerned about slow growth in emerging markets.
ECB rate cut near certain as manufacturing figures slip
Eurozone manufacturing growth slowed more than initially thought last month, a business survey showed yesterday, fuelling expectations that the European Central Bank (ECB) will ease policy this week.
Markit’s final Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) slipped to a six-month low of 52.2 in May from 53.4 in April as strong figures from Germany failed to offset a contraction in activity in France. Figures for Ireland will be published this morning.
Irish manufacturing activity grows for 12th month running in May
IRISH manufacturing activity grew for the 12th month running in May, albeit slowing slightly from April, while companies in the sector took on staff at the fastest rate in 15 years, a survey has showed.
The Investec Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index slipped to 55.0 in May from 56.1 in April, but remained well above the 50 line dividing growth in activity from contractions.
Growth in new export orders helped lift …