Manufacturers urge Reeves to fast-track growth policies

MANUFACTURING output fell by 23% in the three months to June, prompting business leaders to demand “short-term delivery” from the Government.

- By Mauricio Alencar

Labour set out its industrial strategy earlier this week in which it listed areas of the economy that had the greatest potential for growth, including advanced manufacturing and clean energy industries.

But a survey by the CBI found 15 out of 17 manufacturing sub-sectors recorded a decline in output. They included the chemicals sector while several businesses in mechanical engineering also reported a fall in production.

Manufacturers said order books remained significantly below the long-term average.