The Bank of England sent interest rates tumbling further to a new historic low of 1% today.
Rate-setters cut borrowing costs from 1.5% - the lowest since the Bank was founded in 1694 - as they attempt to combat a worsening downturn.
Today's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision - the first since the UK's recession was officially confirmed - continues the record-breaking run for lower rates.
It also follows International Monetary Fund (IMF) predictions that Britain will suffer more than any other advanced nation in the worst global recession since the Second World War.
The Bank has cut interest rates dramatically - from 5% last October - as it tries to offer relief to borrowers and businesses.
But the rate reductions have been a savage blow to savers, and many mortgage customers have been warned not to expect lenders to pass on the cut in full.
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