productivity

Much is depending on the OBR's expected downgrade to the underlying long-term performance of the economy, or productivity.

"The brain drain will weigh heavily on productivity."

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said a lot of progress was being made and productivity in the health service was improving.

"We need a reliable, affordable and accessible rail network to deliver economic growth, increase productivity and reduce carbon emissions," he said.

He acknowledged that its energy consumption remains "very high" but argued that its potential benefits, especially in the fields of healthcare, public services, and business productivity, were worthwhile.