Investment by businesses fell by 18.4% in the second quarter of 2009 in the UK, its biggest drop for 44 years.

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), investment was down to £29.89 billion in Q2.

The figures reflect on the fact businesses have had to cut back during the recession.

Investment fell across all sectors of the UK in Q2 but manufacturing was the worst affected at 17.7% down in comparison to Q1.