Mixed Picture For UK Industry

The latest figures on industrial output in Britain show something of a mixed picture, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data revealing that while the manufacturing sector grew, there was contraction in the construction industry.

Manufacturing expanded by 0.1 per cent in October, the organisation revealed, although construction output dropped by 1.7 per cent in the same month.

However, Reuters reported that British industry as a whole experienced its biggest climb in industrial output since December of last year, with the October figures showing a 3.6 per cent increase since the end of last year. That’s despite growth in October itself being low.

Uncertainty over the transition arrangements following Brexit for British industry are one of the factors weighing on the economy, with EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, recently calling on the government to provide clarity in this area as a matter of urgency.

In a statement, the organisation said that agreeing transitional arrangements with the EU is essential to “give UK and EU businesses the certainty and time they need to prepare for the new UK-EU economic partnership”.

This includes the country continuing to participate in the single market and customs union until a new deal is in force and businesses have had time to adjust to any changes, EEF added.

One of the issues facing manufacturing and construction firms post-Brexit will be finding enough suitably qualified professionals to work in these industries. Anyone looking to upskill may want to enrol for autocad training to boost their skills and give them more opportunities for new roles in the future.

Earlier this year a report into British engineering and manufacturing highlighted the skills shortage as one of the main problems facing the sector, particularly once we leave the EU.