Chris Leslie, Labour’s shadow Chancellor, responding to the Manufacturing Outlook survey, published by the EEF, said:

“This report confirms there is no room for complacency when it comes to manufacturing output and productivity.

“The productivity challenge requires more than lip-service from a government which has failed to prioritise high-quality skills and infrastructure delivery or to provide consistent support for business investment.

“We need a more productive economy to raise living standards and help reduce the deficit.”

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