BRITAIN'S beleaguered manufacturing sector yesterday showed it was fighting its way out of recession after figures showed a large jump in growth in May.

Manufacturing output grew 0.7 per cent during the month - greater than economists expected.

The rise is the first time the sector has expanded for two consecutive months since September-October 2000.

In addition, April's data was revised up to a strong 1.1 per cent, from the 0.8 per cent previously recorded.

The figures will give hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel for the battered sector.

However, John Edmonds, general secretary at the GMB union, said: "Nine jobs are still being lost every hour in the manufacturing sector. Clothing and textiles in Britain continue to deteriorate at an alarming rate.

"Without a proper strategy and a decision on the euro, manufacturing in Britain will not recover."

The improved performance, however, makes it more likely the Bank of England will raise interest rates in the coming months. Manufacturing's poor performance was one reason why the Bank held off earlier this month.