UK factory output rebounds after increase in demand

Manufacturers upbeat as May figures show output grew at fastest rate since December 2018

Factory output grew this month at the fastest rate since December 2018 to record the first large increase in UK manufacturing production in almost two years.

Chemicals producers, electronic engineering firms and metal factories reported the strongest growth, with output up in 12 of 17 subsectors, according to the CBI's monthly industrial trends survey.