Economy set for big slowdown amid chance of recession

Growth is expected to hit 1.7% overall this year with a decline of 0.2% in the third quarter and risk of “further deterioration”, according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR).

GDP will slow to 1% in 2017 while inflation is forecast to reach more than 3%, according to its analysis.

Borrowing is expected to increase by an additional £47 billion by 2020/21 and the unemployment rate is expected to rise from 4.8% in the second quarter of this year to around 5.75% in the middle of 2017, the think-tank said.

It comes amid heightened uncertainty and a fall in the pound following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.

NIESR said the shock result is the “main factor” behind its downward revision in the world forecast, from 3.5% to 3.3% in 2017, with the greatest change in the EU where growth is expected to be 0.4% lower.

Britain’s future relationship with the bloc is “most likely” to be a trade agreement similar to the Swiss model that would allow free access to goods markets but limited access to services markets, it said.

The think-tank warned that the chances of a recession in Britain have “increased significantly” since its previous forecasts but said it expected any downturn to be temporary, with growth likely to improve from 2018.

Simon Kirby, head of macroeconomic modelling and forecasting at NIESR, said: “We expect the UK to experience a marked economic slowdown in the second half of this year and throughout 2017.

“There is an evens chance of a technical recession in the next 18 months, while there is an elevated risk of further deterioration in the near term. In light of the downturn under way and the downside risks to the outlook, a decision by the MPC to provide monetary stimulus would be welcome and we look forward to assessing the new Chancellor’s plans at the autumn statement.