Manufacturing News – Early July 2025
Estimated reading time 2 minutes
The UK manufacturing sector has continued where it left off in May, reaching a four-month high as we enter the second half of 2025, new figures released today show.
According to the latest S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), industry saw its rates of decline in output, new orders and employment all slow. However, the UK manufacturing sector remained below the neutral 50.0 mark (which denotes growth or contraction) for nine straight months.
On a positive note, business optimism among manufacturers experienced an uptick in June, hitting a four-month high, with 46% of companies polled anticipating production to be higher in one year’s time (compared to just 10% expecting a decline). https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/uk-manufacturing-pmi-industry-builds-on-mays-momentum-to-hit-four-month-high/
A new study of manufacturing leaders has revealed a worrying ‘skills gap’ picture with two thirds believing the picture has got worse in the last six months. The report, conducted by personalised workwear, uniform and PPE supplier MyWorkwear, canvassed 107 companies, with 62% of firms suffering from an acute skills shortage and, worryingly, just 38% believing the government will be able to take action to solve the crisis.
The results revealed that over half (52%) admitted that they are struggling to recruit or retain existing staff, whilst, going against popular opinion, over three quarters (76%) of respondents thought the Employment Rights Bill will have a positive impact on the current skills landscape. https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/manufacturers-have-little-faith-in-government-to-plug-growing-skills-shortage-as-crisis-deepens/
