http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7855482.stm
ASDA is creating around 7000 new jobs and BSkyB is creating 1000. On top of the thousands already announced in retail this is a good sign that the country is very alive. ITV news reported that some of these jobs will be for the long-term unemployed as well as for those recently made "redundant".
Goods are still being manufactured, being distributed and transported, being stocked, sold and consumed. Things are still moving and functioning.