UK factory output at risk of more than halving - Make UK

Reuters reports that british factory output risks falling by more than half during the current quarter after 80% of manufacturers reported a collapse in orders due to the coronavirus, trade body Make UK said .Make UK said a survey of 297 members, conducted from April 20-27, showed that more than three quarters had already suffered a drop in sales.

Britain's Office for Budget Responsibility said on April 14 that factory output could fall by 55% in the second quarter, as part of a scenario for the broader economy that showed a 35% plunge in total output if lockdown restrictions stay in place.

"The extent of the collapse in demand is such it means that the recent OBR forecast could be an underestimate unless there is a quite remarkable turnaround which, to be frank, just isn't going to happen," Make UK chief executive Stephen Phipson said.

Some 87% of manufacturers are still carrying out some operations, but more than a third had put staff members on leave under a government wage guarantee scheme which was likely to be needed beyond its planned end-June closing date, Make UK said.

One in five manufacturers have seen orders drop by more than half, it added.