Easing Covid limits early 'could inflate deaths and deepen recession'

Experts say government must not risk pitting the economy against public health

The lifting of coronavirus restrictions by the government could risk pitting the economy against public health, triggering a higher death toll and double-dip recession, two of the country's top economists have warned.

In a warning to ministers, Nicholas Stern, the leading climate economist and former Treasury mandarin, and Sir Tim Besley, a former rate-setter at the Bank of England, said an abrupt and premature easing of lockdown would be counterproductive in the fight to save jobs and reboot Britain's economy from the coronavirus recession.

Workplace rotation schemes to limit physical interaction and the spread of the disease.

Subsidies for workplace testing to control outbreaks, particularly in key industries as well as sectors with more human contact.

Boosting sick pay to remove a disincentive for self-isolation.

Drawing up a recovery plan that capitalises on net-zero carbon commitments, boosting job creation in green industries.