LONDON, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Britain's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to a five-month high in October, as output growth accelerated and new orders increased, S&P Global data showed Monday.
The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI stood at 52.8 in October, up from 51.9 in September. The survey was conducted from Oct. 12 to 27 and closed before Britain's Autumn Budget statement on Oct. 28.
Manufacturing production rose for the seventh successive month in October, with the rate of expansion hitting a 25-month-high. New orders rose at the fastest pace since July as manufacturers reported stronger demand from domestic and overseas markets.
However, the expansion in output and new orders did not translate into further employment growth. Hiring stalled after increasing for six consecutive months amid concerns about possible policy changes, Rob Dobson, director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said.
"The remainder of 2026 will see if the confirmed rise in the minimum wage for next year will continue to weigh on employment trends," he said.
Dobson said manufacturers were also facing rising fuel, energy and transportation costs as supply-chain shocks and delays continued to drive up inflationary pressures. ■