There is more bad news for the UK following Brexit. From 1st February, the UK will have to begin imposing import controls on goods arriving in the UK from the European Union . These have previously been delayed five times since 2021. These controls will result in shortages and price increases. EU suppliers will be less likely to want to send goods to the UK if this involves uncertain delays. They are also likely to increase prices to cover the increased delays. Gaps on the supermarket shelves are likely to become normal.
More than 500,000 businesses are said to be in financial difficulty and at least 57,000 are expected to close in the coming weeks.
The highest taxes ever, increased cost of living, and energy price increases have all contributed to a reduction in spending.