The head of the Employers and Manufacturers Association says the economic outlook is not all bad, and there is room for optimism about a recovery for the global economy.
On Friday, the union representing textile workers said two carpet manufacturers were cutting a total of about 40 jobs.
Cavalier was making workers redunant in its Wiri, Napier and Whanganui mills and Norman Ellison - 70% owned by Cavalier - is shedding staff from its Onehunga yarn mill.
Employers and Manufacturers Association chief executive Kim Campbell says some businesses are having a tough time but he remains cautiously optimistic about a recovery in global markets over time, which will mean businesses fare better.
Mr Campbell says Europe is focussed on its solving its debt crisis but Asian and Australian markets are performing well.