State of Trade Survey - 2009

State of Trade Survey 2009 Q1

The first quarter of 2009 has shown a slight fall in the rate of deterioration in activity in some sectors of the construction industry, according to the latest FMB survey. However, conditions remain very tough and any positive changes are from a very low base. Uncertainty remains an important factor constraining demand, particularly in the housing market, although workload balances did improve slightly for the private housing new build sector. Employment conditions picked up marginally, but were still solidly negative, despite some firms reporting skills shortages for certain trades.