China factory slide intensifies; economists say UK faces worst recession in G7 – business live

New Year starts with warnings from IMF and UK leading economists, as China’s factory slump worsens

UK rail strikes also continue, as the row over pay, jobs and working conditions remains unresolved. Our transport correspondent Gwyn Topham reports:

The first of five consecutive days of national rail strikes have begun, closing much of Britain’s rail network and leaving only a skeleton service for commuters on urban and intercity lines.