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Northern Ireland's private sector downturn continued in September, according to an Ulster Bank survey.

Every month, the bank asks firms about staffing levels, exports and new orders in what is a reliable indicator of economic performance.

All four economic sectors - services, retail, manufacturing and construction - reported a fall in activity.

The construction sector recorded the sharpest decline as new orders fell for a fourth month in a row.

Despite this, employment is a bright spot which continued to grow with Northern Ireland firms increasing their staffing levels at the fastest pace in the UK.

Ulster Bank chief economist Richard Ramsey said: "On a positive note, the one silver lining with the weakening demand cloud is that supply chain delivery times eased for the sixth month running."

He said firms also cited facing higher fuel and wage costs but despite this, most were optimistic of a pick-up in demand over the next 12 months.

"While we may be anticipating an Indian Summer in the coming weeks weather-wise, a similar improvement in business conditions during October doesn't look likely.

"Similarly, on the political front, there is no immediate sign of a return of the Stormont Executive."