UK unemployment unexpectedly fell to the lowest in almost a decade and wage growth slowed less than economists forecast as Brtain’s labour market continued to strengthen.

UK jobless-benefit claims fell to the lowest level in four decades and pay growth accelerated in an electoral boost for prime minister David Cameron.

Hopes that Britain’s economic recovery will become less reliant on big-spending consumers ebbed further yesterday as data showed manufacturing growth weakened at the end of last year while lending to individuals soared.

THE world economy should finally overcome its hangover from the global financial crisis this year as growth picks up and house prices rise, but reduced US monetary stimulus will pose a challenge.

A turning point for the world’s biggest economy is expected this week when US policymakers begin the process of scaling back stimulus efforts.

Hopes that the UK can maintain its AAA credit are fading, economists said today.

Britain's coveted AAA rating came under further pressure today after official figures showed another leap in public sector borrowing.

The downturn in UK manufacturing showed signs of easing today after new figures revealed a rebound from July’s “disastrous” performance.

A further £50bn (€62.2bn) was injected into the British economy today as the UK struggles to pull out of its double-dip recession and the eurozone debt crisis intensifies.

The Bank of England is set to hold interest rates at record lows today amid lingering doubts among rate-setters over a sustained recovery for the fragile UK economy.

Markets will be hoping for signs of a united front on measures to rescue the global economy and fight the threat of protectionism at the G20 summit.

Interest rates are set to hit a record low this week as the Bank of England grapples with a deepening recession.

British borrowers could be spared another rate hike this year after the Bank of England today held interest rates at 5.75% amid growing unease over the impact of recent financial turmoil.

The chances of a July hike in British interest rates increased today after it emerged borrowers came within a whisker of a back-to-back rise earlier this month.

Sterling strengthened against the dollar today after an upbeat survey on British retail sales fuelled expectations of more interest rate hikes in the UK.

Sterling strengthened against the dollar today after an upbeat survey on retail sales fuelled expectations of more interest rate hikes.

A further hike in interest rates looked on the cards today after the Bank of England again raised fears over rising inflation.

British manufacturers were given a boost today as an industry survey showed export orders rose to a 10-year high this month.

Homeowners in the UK were today braced for an interest rate rise by the end of the year after the Bank of England revealed it would miss a key inflation target if it failed to act within a year.

An imminent move in interest rates appeared unlikely today after it emerged seven out of eight Bank of England policymakers voted for no change this month.

The case for a further cut in interest rates was reinforced today after inflation stayed below target for a second month running in January.