UK industrial output declined by 0.4% in April compared to March, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This figure comes as a suprise as tt had been predicted that output would rise. This is the first fall in monthly production since January.

However, experts said the drop should be seen as a correction after a particularly strong jump in output in March of 2% and levels are still 2% higher than in April last year.

"The volatile monthly movements in these figures are somewhat at odds with more positive survey indicators though they conceal a solid year-on-year increase in output," said Lee Hopley, chief economist at the EEF manufacturers' organisation.