Experts believe prospects for the UK economy have picked up year, as the manufacturing sector shows further signs of recovery and recruiters report that employment prospects are holding up.

The industrial sector expanded by more than expected in May, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics. Economists at Lombard Street Research said they expected the economy to grow by as much as 3pc this year – well above the Chancellor’s forecast of 2.25pc – as the export sector helps propel it forward.