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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Heather Stewart Economics editor

UK factory output falls at fastest rate since February amid tax rise fears

Robotic arms rivet car panels together in a car factory
Businesses are facing higher tax bills from April. Photograph: Matt Crossick/Alamy

Manufacturers in the UK have cut back output at the fastest rate in 11 months, compounding the gloomy picture for the British economy, according to a closely watched survey.

The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for manufacturing fell in December to 47, down from 48 in November – its weakest reading since February. Any reading below 50 signals a contraction.

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