Taking the temperature of UK mfg

Our economics team always stay on top of developments in the sector, and data from our surveys makes sure we’re getting information direct from manufacturers’ mouths. 

Manufacturing Outlook 2018 Q2
Britain’s manufacturers have seen an easing in conditions in the quarter. They’re still seeing a positive picture but easing global growth and increased political uncertainty has pushed output balances down in some sectors. Don’t have time to read the full report? Check out our blogs on the 6 key trends, the wider economic picture, and the sub-sector story.

Navigating Brexit: the migration minefield

Manufacturers remain concerned about their ability to access skills post-Brexit, but they’re upping their investment in skills as the formal Brexit exit date approaches. Get a quick run down from our Education and Skills team here.

Tackling the issues of the sector

As well as staying informed, we also use our data to make recommendations to Government and manufacturers, on how to help the sector grow and evolve.

EEF Productivity Report 2018
Our research shows that manufacturing is the engine to drive productivity growth across the whole economy, having beaten whole economy and services productivity growth in the past. However, after the 2008 recession there was a collapse in productivity growth. This report explores our initial assessment, but we’re still quizzing companies so you can expect more from us on this later in the year. 

Trading Blows: Update on global trade outlook
The cyclical upturn in the global economy and a strategic focus on exporting amongst businesses has underpinned stronger trade growth for UK firms, but structural challenges – especially more protectionist trade policies – are still in play. Our Chief Economist discusses the facts and future export strategy here.

Business intelligence

We also use our surveys to help provide benchmarking services for manufacturers.

EEF Absence Benchmark 2018
The annual Absence Benchmark provides a quick and simple guide to the latest trends in absence, examining both the absence rate and the average number of days lost per employee. 
According to the benchmark the overall absence rate dropped in 2017 to 2.2%, down slightly from 2.3% in the previous year.

Coming up…

We have reports on topics including productivity, holidays and the regional outlook to come later this year, and more of our own surveys looking into the challenges of the modern workplace and workforce, productivity, and energy and the environment.

If you’d like to find out more about our research, or how to take part, please contact our Information and Research team: [email protected]