John Lewis boss warns UK economy in 'permacrisis', urges no business rates hike

Outgoing John Lewis MD Peter Ruis warns the UK economy faces a persistent 'permacrisis' and urges the government against raising business rates on large retailers. The statement reflects ongoing structural pressure on UK retail and broader economic stagnation, though it is a corporate opinion rather than hard data. It signals potential downside risk to UK consumer spending and retail sector margins if rates rise.