To be honest I do not fully understand why as a nation we appear so much less productive than our competitor nations. If you look at the different sectors in the economy they do appearto be performing reasonably. The car plants for example which are mainly foreign owned are as productive as those anywhere in the world.
Manufacturing and agriculture are generally efficient. UK farming has always been ahead of farming in France and Germany which is why we have resented the CAP. What can be done about it.
So where is the productivity lower and why? Perhaps it is all a myth to make us feel less good about ourselves.
National levels I can may be understand if you factor in Government and some services.
Productivity Gap
Wicked Little Letters? (funny film of a long-forgotten case)