UK manufacturers say the next government should invest in measures to boost productivity and help businesses pay their workers better salaries.

In its business manifesto ahead of the May general election, the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF) says a more productive and flexible labour force should be top of the agenda.

The body says the last five years have been focused on restoring order to a turbulent UK economy and that the Tory government has laid “some important groundwork”.

But it adds that the next five-year parliament should look to deliver a balanced economy, with more prosperity and a seat for the UK at the heart of Europe.

“It will involve tough choices and will not happen over the lifetime of a single Parliament,” said EEF chief executive Terry Scuoler.

“It is vital therefore the next government recognises this and sets lofty ambitions to provide the long term certainty that is necessary for manufacturing businesses to invest recruit and grow in the UK.”

Other priorities set out in the EEF manifesto include improving infrastructure, by creating an independent Infrastructure Authority, investing in roads and broadband, and energy network reform.

It also wants to see a reduction in the cost of doing business, with compensation for firms using renewable energy sources, and better support of growing businesses.

Smaller businesses could be supported with funding for Innovate UK and Science, as well as the HVM Catapult investment centres and UK Trade and Investment.

In a statement, the group said: “There remains much to do to restore the public finances, improve productivity and secure real wage growth.

“In particular, the next government should set an ambition for measurable improvements in productivity relative to our international competitors.”