NI economy 'continuing to shrink'

Business activity fell by almost 2% in March

Northern Ireland's economy shrank faster than all other UK regions last month, according to a report from the Ulster Bank.

It said business activity in NI fell by almost 2% in March, with the sharpest decline in the construction industry.

Economist Richard Ramsey said although the economy was still in recession, the rate of decline had eased.

"Northern Ireland firms continued to reduce their staffing levels at a rapid rate in March," he said.

"However, the pace of decline was more marked in the UK, albeit marginally, for the first time in 16 months."