Factory orders in October declined at the fastest rate since April, according to data released by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The industrial trends survey showed the total order book balance dropped to minus 28 this month, from minus 17 in September, far lower than was expected.

Despite the poor reading, the CBI said it still expects the economy to pick up after its poor showing between July and September.

"The recovery in the manufacturing sector is well grounded and is expected to continue, this despite the soft patch last quarter," said the CBI's chief economic advisor, Ian McCafferty.