The UK economy will shrink 11.3% this year according to official forecasts that lay bare the damage of Covid-19.
While the economy is expected to bounce back in 2021, it will not return to its pre-crisis size until the end of 2022.
The government will borrow £394bn this year to deal with the economic impact, the highest ever amount recorded in peacetime history.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak warned that the economic damage from the pandemic was "likely to be lasting".
UK government set to borrow £394bn this year, the highest amount ever in peacetime history, to help deal with coronavirus pandemichttps://t.co/uSZ6Z95yr2
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) November 25, 2020
The economic decline in 2020 is expected to be the worst in 300 years.
The government's independent forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) expects growth of 5.5% in 2021 and 6.6% the following year.
Mr Sunak said the government had already spent £280bn to help support the economy through the coronavirus and would spend a further £55bn next year as part of a package of measures to support the recovery. This includes billions of pounds to help people find jobs.
However, Mr Sunak said long-term scarring meant the economy would be 3% smaller in 2025 than expected in the March budget.
The OBR expects unemployment to peak at 2.6 million next year, although fewer jobs are expected to be lost than predicted this summer.
The government has extended its furlough scheme to support jobs and wages until next March.
Latest Stories
-
Expansion Drive: Takoradi Technical University increases faculties
2 hours -
SHS heads demand payment of outstanding funds before reopening of schools
3 hours -
We thank God for the 2024 general elections – Akufo-Addo
3 hours -
Coconut Grove Beach Resort marks 30 years of excellence with memorable 9 lessons & carols service
3 hours -
WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup: Black Maidens beat Nigeria on penalties to win inaugral tournament
4 hours -
Real Madrid beat Sevilla to keep pressure on leaders Atletico
5 hours -
Liverpool put six past Spurs to go four points clear
5 hours -
Manchester United lose 3-0 at home to Bournemouth yet again
5 hours -
CHAN 2024Q: ‘It’s still an open game’ – Didi on Ghana’s draw with Nigeria
5 hours -
CHAN 2024Q: Ghana’s Black Galaxies held by Nigeria in first-leg tie
6 hours -
Dr Nduom hopeful defunct GN bank will be restored under Mahama administration
7 hours -
Bridget Bonnie celebrates NDC Victory, champions hope for women and youth
7 hours -
Shamima Muslim urges youth to lead Ghana’s renewal at 18Plus4NDC anniversary
8 hours -
Akufo-Addo condemns post-election violence, blames NDC
8 hours -
DAMC, Free Food Company, to distribute 10,000 packs of food to street kids
9 hours