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In the UK, December was one of the worst months of 2021 for the service sector.
From our correspondent in London, Emeline Wine
This is usually the month when shops and restaurants are doing the most business. But December was a missed month for UK businesses, with footfall dropping nearly 20% from pre-pandemic levels. In the continuation of an already unprofitable year, between shortage of personnel and disruption of supply chains.
► Also listen: British economy: fragile recovery against a backdrop of shortage and inflation
The fault not with the restrictions, almost all lifted since the summer. But the arrival of the Omicron variant, detected at the end of November in the United Kingdom. Even though the numbers are better than in the rest of Europe, consumers have stayed home, out of caution, and the service sector (bars, restaurants, hairdressers) have seen a barrage of cancellations. More difficult to manage, in terms of personnel and orders, than closures.
Despite the easing of travel restrictions, which could give shopping streets a little boost … The National Retail Consortium does not expect a trend reversal in 2022, due to inflation. This could reach 6%, the highest for 10 years. Six in ten companies are planning to increase their prices this quarter.
► Also to listen: Covid in the United Kingdom: disruptions and reorganizations to deal with the epidemic of the Omicron variant
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