Britain’s factory sector continued to shrink last month as the UK slid closer to recession.
Purchasing managers across UK manufacturers reported that output, new orders and new export business all declined in October, leading them to cut jobs.
Rob Dobson, director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, warns that the factory sector won’t help keep the UK out of recession: “UK manufacturing production suffered a further decline at the start of the fourth quarter, with the sector buffeted by weak demand, high inflation, supply-chain constraints and heightened political and economic uncertainties. New work intakes fell at the quickest pace since May 2020 as demand in domestic and export markets weakened.
“While the downturn has lessened the pressure on prices, the weak pound and high energy prices mean elevated cost inflation remains a prime concern for manufacturers.
“The darkening situation also knocked business optimism down to a two-and-a-half year low, as concerns about the weak demand outlook, recession, inflationary pressure and sustained uncertainty hit confidence.
“The labour market picture has also deteriorated, with companies cutting jobs for the first time in almost two years while still struggling to recruit and retain appropriate staff. On current form manufacturing is in no position to help prevent the broader UK economy from sliding into recession.”
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