A FALL in factory activity in September has fuelled fears that the recovery in manufacturing is running out of steam.

The headline measure from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply – providing a single figure snapshot of operating conditions in the sector – stood at 49.5 in September against 49.7 in August and below the “no-change” mark of 50.

CIPS chief executive David Noble said the latest data would disappoint those hoping for a quick economic recovery, but said the sector had still enjoyed a “significant rebound” from its unprecedented low point in November.