Key Points
· Business confidence continues to deteriorate with half of SMEs less optimistic about business prospects.
· 37% of companies employing less than at this period last year, with the manufacturing sector shedding most jobs.
· 28% of manufacturers expect to employ less in the next 12 months, 20,000 industrial jobs at risk.
· Exports badly hit as 37% of companies reported that their exports have decreased in value in comparison to 12 months ago.
· 43% indicate that the current environment is worse for their company in comparison to 10 years ago.
· Taskforce and competitiveness fund required to help sector in crisis.
