The strong performance of manufacturers in the eurozone is highlighting “subdued” growth in the UK, as a weaker pound increases the cost of materials at the fastest pace for six months, according to figures released on Monday.

IHS Markit’s composite purchasing managers index (PMI), a useful indicator of economic health, in which any score above 50 indicates growth, reported a UK PMI of 55.9 in September. This reflects a steady growth in order books, and rising employment levels. However, challenges, especially in the form of rising inflation, appear to be taking their toll.

Duncan Brock, director of customer relationships at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said that the figures reflected a fall in productivity in UK manufacturing.