BCC: Economic Woes Continuing To Mount

Commenting on the latest ONS UK GDP figures published today, which show a 0.3% contraction for April 2022, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:   

“The fall of 0.3% in April, following a 0.2% decrease in March, highlights the increasing stress the UK economy is under. All main sectors have seen a fall in growth, the first time since January 2021.  

“This decline is the inevitable outcome of surging inflation, supply chain disruption and widespread skills shortages.  

“Businesses from all sectors are facing unprecedented rises in raw material costs, soaring energy bills, and wage pressures. The introduction of an increase to employer National Insurance Contributions in April has only further added to firms’ woes.  

“This declining output comes off the back of two years of significant damage sustained by small businesses, whose weakened cash positions mean that they are in a far worse position to stomach further pressure. The global aspects to all these problems mean they are likely to weigh heavily on the UK’s prospects for growth for some time. 

“Output in consumer-facing services increased by 2.6% in the month, reflecting increased consumer spend on hairdressing and food services. However, the sector remains below pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the significant damage sustained from shutdowns and restrictions. 

“Declining business investment remains a serious cause for concern and urgent Government action is needed to halt this fall. Cutting VAT on businesses’ energy bills to 5% would ease the squeeze on firms’ cashflow and give them some room for manoeuvre.”