Growth data points to catastrophe in making for UK economy

Rishi Sunak must act swiftly after latest figures wipe out hope of V-shaped recovery

• UK economic growth slows in August despite eat out to help out'
• Coronavirus - latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

The August growth figures for the UK were a shock - and not in a good way.

All the ingredients seemed to be in place for another month of rapid recovery from the spring slump induced by lockdown. The number of Covid-19 cases was low, no new restrictions were put in place and the public seemed eager to spend the savings accumulated earlier in the year.