Markit Economics released its manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.K. on Tuesday. The Markit/Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply manufacturing PMI for the U.K. declined to 52.7 in November from 55.2 in October, missing expectations for a fall to 53.6. October's figure was revised down from 55.5.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

The decline was driven by a slower pace of the growth in output and new orders.

"UK manufacturing is moving back into expansion mode during quarter four, as it starts to reverse the losses sustained in the prior quarter. Although the pace of growth so far is only very modest, it positions manufacturing as less of a drag on the broader economy," Markit's Senior Economist Rob Dobson said.