Faisal Islam: Slow growth raises stakes even higher for the Budget

The UK's slow economic growth has heightened the stakes for the upcoming Budget, with disappointing figures indicating a return to slower growth. The 0.1% growth in the third quarter was below forecasts, attributed in part to a breakdown in car production after a cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover. Consumer-facing services and business investment slowdowns are concerning factors, with high employment costs and ongoing uncertainty adding to the challenges. The Budget aims to provide certainty by addressing tax changes and fiscal buffers, but maneuvering tax rises away from workers and investors presents complexities.