UK Manufacturing: Job Creation Hits 33-Month High Amid Recovery

British manufacturers went on a hiring spree in February with job creation in the sector hitting a 33-month high.

That's according to a monthly poll of purchasing managers compiled by research firm Markit and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

Markit's UK manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) hit 56.9 in February, up slightly on January. Any reading above the neutral 50 mark signifies growth in activity.

"The survey suggests we should expect another quarter of robust economic growth in the opening quarter of the year," said Rob Dobson, senior economist at Markit.

"This mini-renaissance in manufacturing is also driving the sharpest job creation since the middle of 2011, which will support the broader economic recovery through improved consumer confidence and spending."

The UK economy grew by 1.8% in 2013, its fastest pace in six years. Manufacturers have seen their output recover alongside the wider economy.