Many businesses said the first fall in business activity in November since the same month last year was a result of tax rises announced by the chancellor, while official figures showed retail sales had dropped in October, the first month of the "golden quarter" for retailers before the Christmas rush.
Manufacturers registered a "solid decline" in new work and the rate of contraction accelerated to the fastest level since February, according to a closely watched survey by S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Chris Williamson, the firm's chief business economist, said the contraction in November was only marginal, but reflected deeper concern about the prospects for the year ahead.
The S&P Global Flash purchasing managers' index (PMI) dropped from 51.8 to 49.9, based on polling of company managers this month.
This story is from the November 23, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 23, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Stokes faces three months out but vows to fight back
Ben Stokes said he was prepared to go through \"blood, sweat and tears\" for England after it was announced he will undergo surgery in January and is out of action for at least three months with a torn hamstring.
'Huge blow' Saka's hamstring tear leaves Arsenal scrambling for options
Mikel Arteta has said he and Arsenal must find a way to cope without Bukayo Saka after confirming the England forward is set to be sidelined for \"many weeks\" due to the hamstring injury he sustained against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
'We have to change for the better': Kulusevski on what's next for Spurs
Forward says his side need to evolve after Sunday's painful defeat to leaders Liverpool
Juric vows 'death metal football' style for Saints
Southampton's new manager, Ivan Juric, says he plans to implement an aggressive style of play similar to death metal, his favourite genre of music.
Liverpool's lead at the top is due to much more than good luck
They may have faced some teams at the right time but Slot has improved players to the extent it is their title to lose
Amorim given free rein over Rashford call
Ruben Amorim's exclusion of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United's past three match-day squads is solely his decision, with the head coach under no pressure from Sir Jim Ratcliffe's football department.
'We do what the police cannot': Fanprojekte face battle to survive
A German court case threatens the existence of projects that play a crucial social-work role with football fans
'It's opened my mind': inside the FA's all-female coaching course
WSL stars past and present have signed up to an A licence course that aims to boost the number of female coaches
Clayton edges past Mansell in sudden-death thriller
Jonny Clayton won a sudden-death leg in the deciding set to edge past Mickey Mansell and book his place in the third round of the PDC world championship after an epic contest at Alexandra Palace.
Fury ceased clowning to push Usyk to his limits but this special champion always finds a new gear
Once upon a time, the world stopped to watch when the heavyweight championship was at stake. Oleksandr Usyk's unanimous-decision triumph over Tyson Fury in Riyadh on Saturday was barely noticed.
