The UK is at risk of recession after revised  figures showed the economy shrank between July and September, according to data  from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Gross domestic product, which measures the  health of the economy, contracted by 0.1% after previous estimates suggested  growth has been flat.
Meanwhile, there was zero growth between April  and June, after it was first calculated to have risen by 0.2%.
A recession is typically defined as when the  economy shrinks for two three-month periods - or quarters - in a row.
Meanwhile, the UK's inflation rate fell to  3.9% in the year to November, the ONS confirmed.
The fall was bigger than the ONS had  anticipated with lower petrol prices contributing to the reduction in the  inflation rate.
Price increases for bread and cakes are also  easing, according to the ONS.
David Bharier, Head of Research at the British  Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
'Today's  data showing the CPI rate grew at 3.9% in November, a greater slowdown than  expected, is welcome confirmation that the headline rate of inflation is  continuing to ease. However, prices are still rising from a very high base  following multiple economic shocks and core CPI remains stubborn at 5.1%.
'Persistent  inflation and high interest rates are likely to remain a barrier to business  growth for some time to come. Businesses are desperate for a clear, long-term  plan for growth which sets out a vision for infrastructure, skills and green  innovation.'
The fall in inflation followed the Bank of  England's decision to hold interest rates at 5.25%, marking the third time in a  row that the Bank has left the rate unchanged.
Bharier said:
'While a  cut in the interest rate could have provided some relief for firms ahead of  Christmas, [the] decision to hold at 5.25% was expected and allays fears of  further rises.
'UK  businesses have been faced with the twin shock of an inflation crisis and  increased borrowing costs.
'The  BCC's latest Economic Forecast expects only a 0.25% point cut in the interest  rate for the whole of 2024, although businesses need to be prepared for any  unexpected changes given the uncertain policy landscape.'
Internet  link: ONS website ONS website BCC website Bank of England website BCC website