UK factories saw their weakest quarter on record, according to the latest survey from the CBI, and there's little sign that things are about to get better.
Julian Satterthwaite reports.
UK factories suffer worst quarter on record - CBI
Few signs of relief Monday (June 22) for UK factories.
The June industrial orders index from the Confederation of British Industry hit -58.
That’s marginally up on the month before, but still way below pre-crisis levels.
For the three months to June output hit -57 - the lowest quarterly figure since the measure started in 1975.
Manufacturers are slightly more hopeful about the coming period.
Output expectations rose to -30, despite weaker demand from overseas.
But that’s still a long way below the average, which is comfortably above zero.
The CBI said the steepest falls were seen in the automotive, mechanical engineering and metals sectors.
Numerous UK manufacturers have already announced job cuts as a result of the slowdown.
Jet engine maker Rolls Royce says at least 9,000 posts will go - or around a sixth of its workforce.
Other makers to cut jobs include Aston Martin, Bentley Motors and chemicals firm Johnson Matthey.
Aerospace giant Airbus is being closely watched for signs that it will cut jobs at a major plant in Wales.