Why is UK's productivity still behind that of other major economies?

Dismal trade, growth of low-level service jobs with low-level pay, and a chronic lack of investment only partly explain the gap

Extra funds for new roads, research and development and skills training will drive up UK productivity and put the economy in a better position to withstand the looming Brexit shock.

That was the central message in Philip Hammond's autumn statement and went to the heart of a debate about the UK's low productivity growth, which according to official figures, has fallen well behind Germany, the US, France and Italy.

Related: Business leaders call for 'tarmac and telecoms' from productivity fund