UK consumer confidence weaker than during major recessions

Britons brace for a further rise in cost of living as another rise in the energy price cap looms. Photograph: Krisana Antharith/Getty Images/EyeEm

Consumer confidence in the UK is weaker than during the four major recessions of the past half century as rapidly rising inflation saps morale.

Although the UK is technically yet to enter recession, the latest barometer of sentiment from the data company GfK found the public gloomier than at any time since the survey began in January 1974.