THE UK economy shrank by 2.6% in November after England was placed in lockdown for a second time, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics said UK gross domestic product at the end of November was 8.5% below its pre-pandemic peak.
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November’s decline came after sixth consecutive months of growth, with a 0.6% improvement in October.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “It’s clear things will get harder before they get better and today’s figures highlight the scale of the challenge we face.
“But there are reasons to be hopeful – our vaccine roll-out is well underway and … we’re creating new opportunities for those most in need,” he added.
England entered into a second national lockdown on November 5 to stop a rising cases of coronavirus ahead of Christmas.
The month-long shutdown saw all non-essential retail, including clothes and homeware stores, forced to close.
Pubs and restaurants were limited to offering takeaway and deliveries only.
Schools were allowed to stay open but traders warned of the devastating affect restrictions would have on the busiest trading season of the year.
The services sector fell by 3.4% due to the rules meaning it is now 9.9% below the level of February 2020.
More to follow…
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