UK economic outlook for 2021: Covid surge deepens the gloom

New lockdown restrictions cut chances of rapid recovery as unemployment rises

The UK economy begins 2021 on the back foot as record numbers of coronavirus infections and tougher restrictions cloud the outlook for growth and limit the chances of a rapid recovery from the country's worst recession in 300 years.

There had been hopes that the arrival of successful Covid vaccines could prompt a rebound in activity. But with new government controls to combat the rising infection rate, the outlook is deteriorating. Here are five charts for the UK's economic prospects in 2021.