Covid-19 hits manufacturing

UK manufacturers had their worst month for eight years in March as the economy was ground down by efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus across the world.

Manufacturing output fell to its worst extent since July 2012, according to the data from IHS Markit and CIPS.

The closely watched Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 47.8 in March, down from 51.7 the month before. If the sector scores below 50 it means that it is contracting.

Direct disruption from Covid-19 created a perfect storm, along with lower market confidence and companies shutting down to slow production and new business, the survey found.

Meanwhile employment in the manufacturing sector fell at its fastest rate since July 2009, shortly after the financial crisis.

“The effects were felt across most of manufacturing, with output falling sharply in all major sectors except food production and pharmaceuticals.

The transport sector, which includes already-beleaguered car-makers, suffered the steepest downturn,” said Rob Dobson, director at IHS Markit.

He added: “With restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus expected to stay in place for some time, expectations of further economic disruption and uncertainty meant business optimism slumped to a seriesrecord low.”

However, on a slightly more positive note, manufacturers still expect to see output higher in one year’s time.

Picture: Steve Brown. Direct disruption from Covid-19 has created a “perfect storm” for manufacturing.