Business activity 'falls in Jersey' according to survey

Trading has fallen leaving businesses feeling negative about the future, Jersey firms have told a survey.

The latest Business Tendency Survey by the States Statistics Unit showed a slump in most sectors of the island's economy in the last quarter of 2011.

The finance industry reported business activity at its lowest for two years.

The report said that had left businesses in all sectors lacking confidence in the future, especially in the building trade.

For builders, optimism in the coming months - including job opportunities, was at its lowest level to date, the report found.

It also found that while larger finance firms felt pessimistic about their business, smaller companies were notably more positive.

The quarterly survey asked Jersey businesses for their opinions on trading and their expectations for business over the next three months.