Analysts say the country is facing its weakest period of economic growth as factories have seen the cost of basic materials jump by nearly 30 per cent this year. Price rises will continue on everything from petrol to washing machines, combined with the fall in property prices, many homes are left with a massive battle to balance their bills. As more homeowners opt for a sell house to rent back scheme and consumer confidence continues to take knock after knock, some fear the knock on effects of the increased costs and reduced spending could impact on unemployment figures.