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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Gwyn Topham

UK business confidence falls as economy slows and interest rates rise

Interest Rates United Kingdom Economy Bank of England BDO
The Bank of England
The Bank of England raised interest rates to their highest level in 15 years on Thursday. Photograph: Jordan Pettitt/PA

Business confidence fell last month amid jitters over the slowing UK economy dampening company plans to hire more staff, according to a survey of more than 4,000 firms.

Optimism has declined, with higher interest rates and weak global demand contributing to gloom across the services and manufacturing sectors.

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