Strong summer for UK manufacturing: Read our news round-up

Manufacturing is growing, driven by domestic orders – will the policies of the new government continue this trend??

Read our latest fortnightly newsletter for everything you need to know from the world of UK manufacturing.?

Manufacturing output sunnier than the weather this summer, August figures reveal: UK manufacturing activity reaches highest level in 26 months, according to the S&P Global UK manufacturing PMI survey. This follows the PMI showing expansion in 5 out of the past 6 months, a sign that price pressures are easing and there has been a strong bounce back from shallow recession. Output, new orders and employment are all growing – driven by domestic demand. However, the latest Manufacturer’s Health Index conducted by inventory management firm Unleashed is less positive, demonstrating a profitability drop for UK SME food and drink manufacturers, especially those of alcoholic beverages.?

All eyes on new government policy: Make UK has reiterated its demands for the UK government to come up with a joined-up industrial vision – claiming that a lack of clarity is putting off foreign investors.?

And manufacturing sector eyes are on the upcoming Employment Rights Bill, with Make UK one of the bodies joining the government to discuss plans that include abolishing zero-hour contracts and potentially strengthening workers' rights to a four-day week. We summed up what is on the cards for employers, in our blog: Employment Rights Bill: Labour’s new proposals and what you need to know as an employer?

New border controls – for people this time – may cause more delays at Dover: We have discussed at length post-Brexit EU border controls for goods – but now regulations for people passing between the UK and the EU may disrupt your supply chain. The European Entry/Exit system launches in November and is an automated IT system designed to track non-EU nationals – including those from the UK – when they enter and leave EU member states. There have been concerns that the technology needed to achieve this is not yet ready, with a risk of queues at Dover especially. This traffic congestion may have a knock-on effect on your flow of input materials transported by road freight. However, there are plans in place to mitigate the disruption, including using off-road sites to hold traffic.?

In the meantime, check you are ready for the safety and security declarations required for EU imports from October. Join our webinar with industry experts next week – 4pm on 12th September. We will facilitate a discussion about October’s changes with Josh Fenton - Policy Manager, Trade, Customs and Border, Logistics UK ,? Anna Doherty - Senior Trade and Customs Specialist, The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade and Ashton Cull – Public Affairs Manager, Road Haulage Association (RHA) .

What else did we cover this fortnight? Happy National Payroll Week! It’s easy to overlook the hard-working payroll professionals making sure all your workers are paid on time. Read our blog for 5 reasons to pay attention to payroll.?

The manufacturing industry is reliant on an army of desk-free workers – but are they connected and engaged? Try our latest whitepaper, Bridging the workforce disconnect.?

See you in two weeks!??