UK manufacturing enjoying 'delayed recovery', but inflation pressures grow

Sector regaining ground after sluggish 18 months but will still contract in 2017, industry report says

Manufacturers are enjoying a "delayed recovery" with increased output and orders and optimism for jobs, according to a report published on Monday.

The manufacturers' organisation the EEF said the sector was now regaining ground after a "sluggish" 18 months. Despite the improvement in conditions, the EEF said it was still forecasting that manufacturing will contract in 2017.