Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, responding to today’s forecasts by the CBI and Niesr, said:

“Today’s forecasts show the damage being done to the earnings of working people by the Tories’ chaotic Brexit.

“It’s important to note however, that this damage has not happened overnight and as last week’s leaked Treasury Document showed, the Tories had failed to rebuild our economy even before Brexit was on the agenda.

“It is clear that this government has no interest in accepting responsibility for its own economic incompetence. They want to try and stick a plaster over it by savagely cutting vital lifelines such as in-work benefits and support for those with disabilities, rather than investing in our future and getting our economy in the best shape possible.

"Only Labour can make Brexit work for the whole country and protect living standards. Philip Hammond must reverse planned cuts to Universal Credit and Employment Support Allowance, and use this month’s Autumn Statement to deliver a major programme of investment for the whole country, delivering the high-wage, secure jobs that will make sure no part of our country is left behind.”