Offical figures have revealed a drop in output in the UK’s manufacturing sector of 0.8 percent in May, as the industry struggles to perform despite high expectations.

Compared to the same time last year, industry output fell by 2.9 percent in the manufacturing sector.

The reduction in output has cast doubt on predictions made by economists of a return to economic strength. Analysts had placed predictions for strong overall economic growth in all sectors in the second quarter, with June reportedly showing output in the manufacturing sector growing at the fastest rate in two years.

The poor figures casts doubt on overall economic recovery, with the manufacturing industry being a key part in George Osborne’s recovery strategy to develop the export market and move away from a reliance on service and domestic markets.

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