Brexit uncertainty drives up job losses and holds back economy

Guardian analysis shows no-deal fears have hit outlook for employment and growth

• How has the Brexit vote affected the UK economy?
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Brexit uncertainty has begun driving up job losses across Britain as political turmoil holds back the economy, according to a Guardian analysis of economic news over the past month.

In a sign of the mounting stress on the UK, the number of people in work dropped by the largest margin in four years in August as companies put their hiring plans on hold, with firms losing contracts and facing delays because of the uncertainty over Britain's future. , some bright patches remain, including official figures suggesting that a summer recession has been avoided.

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