Manufacturing output increases faster than forecasted
December figures, from the Office for National Statistics, show manufacturing output grew by 0.9 per cent, compared to November.
The growth is faster than economists predicted, after strong performance in paper, electrical, optical and transport sectors.
The broader measure of industrial production also rose by 0.5 per cent on the month, but was slowed by a 5.5 per cent fall in oil and gas production.
Year-on-year comparisons show manufacturing was down 1.9 per cent and overall industrial production 3.6 per cent lower, from December 2008.
Over the quarter, manufacturing rose 0.8 per cent (largest rise since March 2006) and overall industrial output rose 0.4 per cent (largest rise since December 2007).
