Britain’s economy is likely to lose momentum in the second half of 2017, according to a closely watched survey that could disappoint some Bank of England officials who want to raise interest rates for the first time in a decade.

Union leaders in the UK today voiced “serious” concerns over the labour market as new figures showed more people have stopped looking for work, while the number of manufacturing jobs dipped below three million for the first time since modern records began.

The economic divide between the North and South is beginning to close, a new study has suggested.

Union leaders in the UK tonight called for a cut in British interest rates and help for manufacturers after unemployment jumped by over 100,000 to reach the highest level in three years.