Employment levels in Northern Ireland should grow because of a flood of new business, according to a report published by Ulster Bank today.
Ulster Bank chief economist Pat McArdle said backlogs of work which he said are "still growing" in the North are "an indication that employment growth is likely to remain strong, at least in construction where the bulk of the backlogs exist."
"However, Northern Ireland continues to expand at a robust rate and in line with the UK.
"Growth in employment remained strong, with only three other regions ahead of it in March."
Retail and manufacturing growth slowed last month but this was compensated for by the buoyant construction sector.
"Global rates of increase in private sector activity eased in March and Northern Ireland was no exception," Mr McArdle added.
The report forms part of a series of regional surveys published by The Royal Bank of Scotland Group and NTC Economics. It added that strong demand and new contracts had fuelled the improved results.