CBI predicts UK’s economic recovery will accelerate into autumn

Business body acknowledges pent-up demand and ambition' but points to staff shortages and inflation as risks

Britain's economic recovery will accelerate into the autumn despite the threat from staff shortages and higher inflation, according to a forecast by the business lobby group, the CBI.

The economy will expand by 8.2% this year and by 6.1% next year as the successful vaccination programme allows lockdown easing to continue next month, driving a surge in consumer spending and business activity in the second half of 2021, the CBI said.

Related: Spring economic boom signals UK Covid recovery is still on track