Productivity setback adds to worries for UK economy

British productivity growth slowed to a two-year low during the three months to last September, official figures showed on Wednesday, reinforcing concerns about

the underlying health of the economy ahead of Brexit.

Weak productivity growth has bedevilled rich economies around the world since the global financial crisis, but the problem has been particularly acute in Britain.

Most economists see it as the main reason wages have failed to rise materially despite the lowest unemployment rate in a generation.

Britain's departure from the European Union is adding headwinds, with business investment falling as firms hold off while it remains unclear if they will retain tariff-free access to EU markets after March 29.

Britain's overall economy has slowed since the 2016 Brexit referendum and appears to have lost more momentum in late 2018 as Prime Minister Theresa May struggled to get support in parliament for her plan for a smooth exit from the bloc.