Total production output in the UK grew by 3.2 per cent between October 2012 and October 2013, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.
The data shows that three of the four main production sectors – manufacturing, mining and quarrying and water supply, sewage and waste management – recorded year-on-year growth. Only electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning output recorded a fall in production, of 9.9 per cent on the year.
Key figures from the latest ONS Index of Production:
- The manufacturing sector grew by 2.7 per cent in the year to October 2013.
- The mining sector expanded by 13.4 per cent between October 2012 and October 2013
- The water supply, sewage and waste management sector grew by 8.8 per cent over the last year
- The manufacture of transport equipment rose by 16.8 per cent in this period – the largest upward contribution
- Total monthly growth, between September and October 2013, was 0.4 per cent.
The chief economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, David Kern, said the figures would be good for business confidence but stressed that challenges remain. He said:
“Though manufacturing is recovering, output is almost nine per cent below its pre-crisis level. The share of manufacturing in the economy has fallen considerably in recent years but the sector has maintained its skills base during the downturn and there is scope for improvement in the future.”
