Business activity levels were down in April, hampered by restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the foot-and-mouth virus and the global economic slowdown, a monthly survey showed.

Transport, travel, tourism and leisure all fared badly last month, adversely affected by moves to contain foot-and-mouth disease combined with reduced activity in the high-tech sector. The NCB Purchasing Managers' Services Index, which covers private sector services excluding retail and wholesale, recorded 49.8, the first fall in activity in the 12-month survey history.