CBI boss warns of 'tough times'

The CBI warns of a tough start to the new year

The Confederation of British Industry, the employers' organisation, is warning that 2009 will be a tough year for businesses in Northern Ireland.

Strong leadership will be required and the Stormont Executive will need to put every effort into supporting the economy, it said.

CBI director Nigel Smyth said not all sectors would be affected to the same degree.

But he said the first quarter of 2009 would be "very, very tough".

"There is some good strength out there still in the ICT sector, health technology, the food sector and even in the tourism sector," Mr Smyth said.

"It is not all bad news. There is some good news But let's be honest it is going to be a very very tough first three to four months of 2009."

The CBI is a non-profit making, non-party political organisation, funded by its member companies which employ about four million people between them.