UK manufacturing output has hit a 15 year high and employment levels have improved for the first time in two years, new figures show.
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)/Markit survey showed monthly activity returned a reading of 56.7 points in January 2009, compared to 54.6 the previous month.
It is the highest recorded index level since October 1994 and has far surpassed analysts’ predictions, who were only expecting a minimal jump following the restraints of the recession.
According to CIPS the index also shows that employment opportunities are improving in the manufacturing sector, as demand both from home and overseas drives supply within the industry.
David Noble, CIPS chief executive, told the Press Association that the January result was "a great way to start the year".
He added: "Although the manufacturing sector represents a smaller proportion of total UK GDP than 10 or 20 years ago, it is still a very important part of the economy.
"It is therefore encouraging to see such strong growth and it suggests we are coming out of recession much quicker than previously feared."
The latest optimism comes as a direct contrast to figures released by the Office for National Statistics earlier this month which showed the UK had seen a huge slump across manufacturing output during 2009.