Winding up of Covid support ‘will fuel insolvencies’
Insolvencies are estimated to rise by a fifth as pandemic support schemes and measures are withdrawn, according to Euler Hermes. Latest calculations from the company predicted around 18,900 insolvencies were prevented by Government support schemes. Globally, financial support meant that a possible 40% worldwide surge in company collapses actually became a 12% overall decline. Focusing on Europe, French insolvencies are expected to rise by 23% by the end of next year, whilst in Italy insolvencies are expected to increase by an extremely alarming 68%, in stark contrast to a predicted 4% increase in Germany. Closer to home, UK insolvencies are expected to be around 32% higher. Genuinely concerning figures, especially for the UK market.
UK public borrowing falls by more than expected
Borrowing from the Government dropped to £21.8bn in September, a decrease of £7bn in comparison with the year previously, as the economy continued to recover from Covid 19 lockdown restrictions. Although it should be noted, this was still the second highest September borrowing total since records began over 25 years ago, however it was lower than many economists had predicted.
PM Boris Johnson: Inflation will ease after the supply chain crisis
Boris Johnson was this month bullish about inflation subsiding once short term supply chain issues have been addressed. With inflation forecast to average 4% over the next year and the BOE potentially increasing rates imminently, the Prime Minister was asked whether he harboured concerns over the rising cost of living. Mr Johnson replied: “I think that we have got to get the problems of the global supply chains ironed out, and that will start to ease things.” This is a very contrasting view to that of Chancellor Rishi Sunak who has identified inflation and interest rates as being among the top threats to Britain’s economy. Meanwhile, the PM has said he is working with G20 countries to set up an “early warning on supply chain resilience” that will detect potential threats to the global supply chain more quickly.
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*Sources: City AM, Reuters, EY, The Times, NACFB, Financial Times
