UK growth will be held back this year by disruption caused by spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus and the ongoing supply chain crisis, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In its latest World Economic Outlook update, the IMF has downgraded its UK growth forecast for 2022 to 4.7 percent from the 5 percent predicted in October. It also slashed the global growth outlook for 2022 to 4.4 percent from 4.9 percent as the twin threats have also hit economies across the world, while it warned that soaring inflation will last for longer than first predicted. The IMF said: “The global economy is entering 2022 in a weaker position than anticipated. “News of the Omicron variant led to increased mobility restrictions and financial market volatility at the end of 2021. “Supply disruptions have continued to weigh on activity. “Meanwhile, inflation has been higher and more broad-based than anticipated.” …