UK Covid recovery at risk as furlough scheme phased out, say economists

Business leaders also warn of renewed threat to jobs and growth as Delta variant drives up infections

Britain's economic recovery from Covid-19 is coming under pressure amid worker shortages and lengthier pandemic restrictions, as the Delta variant of coronavirus drives up infection rates.

As the government begins to wind down the furlough scheme on Thursday - despite delaying its roadmap out of lockdown by four weeks until 19 July - the Guardian's monthly snapshot of economic developments suggests the pace of recovery has plateaued.