A severe decline in manufacturing caused the UK economy to drop by 0.4 % in April . The recession represents the country 's worst monthly growth performance in recent years , with economists blaming the prolonged uncertainty surrounding Brexit for the results . The manufacturing sector dropped by 3.9 % over the month , its worst decline since 2002 , due to planned shutdowns by car producers , which feared the UK would crash out of the EU without a deal in cash .
A severe decline in manufacturing caused the UK economy to contract by 0.4% in April. The figure represents the country's worst monthly growth performance in three years, with economists blaming the prolonged uncertainty surrounding Brexit for the results. The manufacturing sector contracted by 3.9% over the month, its worst decline since 2002, due to planned shutdowns by car producers, which feared the UK would crash out of the EU without a deal in March.