Earnings growth is forecast to grow at a much smaller rate than in previous years as the dropping value of the pound continues to have detrimental effects in the UK economy. Last year, earnings grew by a significantly higher rate of 1.8% when compared to the 0.1% rise in the current year. As a result of this, consumer spending is down to its lowest growth of 1.7% compared to a rise of 12.1% in the previous year. Much of these changes were attributed to the rise in inflation, which has continued to be affected by the uncertain economic climate brought about by Brexit.