Providers of business services somewhat less pessimistic

For the first time in six months, the mood among providers of business services has improved slightly. On balance, 11 percent of business service providers expected to generate a lower turnover over the next three months in March, as against 19 percent in February. Consequently, business service providers expecting turnover to increase in the next three months are still outnumbered by those expecting a decline.

Business service providers were nearly as pessimistic about employment in their branch as they were one month previously. On balance, 27 percent expected to have to cut back on staff in the next three months.  

The negative mood with respect to the economic climate over the past three months continued. Business service providers indicated that turnover and employment had declined in the past three months.

Expected turnover business services