Newspaper headlines: 'Britain's recession slide' and caution on staff rights

Jeremy Hunt said his Budget next month would prioritise economic growth

A range of headlines on the front of Friday's newspapers, with many mentioning the news that the UK fell into a recession during the second half of last year. The Daily Mail leads with calls for tax cuts by the Chancellor - urging him to deliver "a shot in the arm" for the economy.

GDP figures showing two consecutive quarters of economic contraction have "plunged" the UK into what the Daily Mirror has dubbed a "RISHession".

A Treasury insider has told the i newspaper the recession is the result of high interest rates that were needed to bring down inflation.

The Financial Times says the data creates a "challenging backdrop" for Jeremy Hunt ahead of next month's Budget.

Mr Hunt has been left with about £13bn worth of fiscal headroom, £8bn less than previously thought, according to the Guardian. The general secretary of the Unite union tells the paper it would be "an outrage" that this could mean more austerity for public services.

Despite reports in the Daily Telegraph that the chancellor has shelved plans for a two pence 2p cut in income tax, the message from the paper's editorial is clear as it calls for "major tax cuts" to reduce disincentives for people to work.

Meanwhile, the Daily Express strikes a cautionary tone, warning tax cuts "can undermine the battle against inflation if they go too far".

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