Meanwhile, the report said the order backlogs index edged down by 1 point in August following a strong increase in the previous month. The employment index ticked up 0.9 points but continues to indicate a contraction, as firms again noted staff reductions due to the Covid-19 crisis. On the inflation front, MNI Indicators said prices paid at the factory gate decreased by 1.9 points in August after three consecutive months of gains.