Economic crisis: special report

The UK economy grew by 0.8 per cent in the second quarter and has now recovered the ground lost since the downturn began in 2008, according to official figures released this morning.

From the Northern Rock collapse, to crashed markets via bust banks, coalitions cuts and painful austerity, this clickable graphic tracks how the British economy recovered.

French economist Thomas Piketty and Ryan Bourne, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, debate the Frenchman’s call for a global tax on high earners to ensure a fairer distribution of wealth.

Martin Hadfield’s parents put the 20-year-old’s suicide down to his struggle to find a job. He is not alone, and The Samaritans say there is a lack of “safety net” after this recession.

“The biggest risk” to the UK economy comes from the booming housing market, Mark Carney warns, as he suggests the Bank of England may step in to stop a “big debt overhang” building up.

The capital is attracting a third of 22 to 30-year-olds who leave home, says a new report. It may have the jobs, but what about rent and the all important price of a pint? Channel 4 News compares.

A third of 22 to 30-year-olds who leave home move to London. But with the capital creating 80 per cent of private sector jobs, who can blame them? Channel 4 News hears from young people on the move.

A Channel 4 News survey finds the majority of people are in favour of the 50p top rate of tax, which Ed Balls said Labour would reinstate if elected.

The Conservatives are taking on Labour in the “cost of living crisis” debate, saying that statistics show take-home pay has risen over the last year. But Labour disputes the figures.

As the great and the good meet in Davos, Switzerland this week, Channel 4 News takes a graphic look at how life at the top compares with life on the ground at Davos Drive, Staffordshire.

The powerful attending the World Economic Forum in Davos must create the impression of action. What they will not do, writes Andrew Simms, is change the system to meet the needs of society.

Labour leader Ed Miliband promises to force banks to give up branches in order to make way for new competitors if Labour wins the next general election.

With the next UK general election less than 16 months away, Labour leader Ed Miliband sets out his proposals to reform of the British economy so it can earn its way out of the “cost of living crisis”.

George Osborne emphasises Tory determination to reform the European Union, saying Europe is at risk of falling behind Asia’s economic titans.

What bright ideas would light up the UK economy for you? George Osborne has set out his plan for economic recovery, but Channel 4 News wanted to find out what people on the street would like to see.