Brexit anxiety drags UK economy almost to standstill

Services sector report shows slow demand as economists predict GDP growth of 0.1%

Brexit anxiety dragged the UK economy almost to a standstill at the end of 2018, as a key gauge for the largest sector of the economy showed optimism among firms fell to the lowest levels since the financial crisis.

According to the latest snapshot for the services sector compiled by IHS Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply - which covers banks, restaurants and hotels - subdued growth conditions persisted in December, with concerns over the UK's departure from the EU resulting in companies putting spending decisions on hold.

Related: 'Brexit anxiety' holding back British services sector - business live