What’s behind the UK’s unexpected return to growth? - The ONS said gross domestic product edged 0.1% higher between October and December after zero growth in the previous three months.

The UK economy unexpectedly grew in the final three months of last year following a boost to the construction and services sectors. The economy expanded by 0.1% between October and December, according to official figures, despite analysts predicting it would contract.

Across 2024 as a whole, total GDP grew by 0.9%. Last week the Bank of England halved its forecast for growth in 2025 to 0.75%, although other forecasters such as the National Institute of Economic and Social Research remain more upbeat with a 1.5% growth forecast.

Britain registered unexpected growth at the end of 2024, a reprieve for the Labour government after a woeful run of economic indicators.

The UK economy eked out growth in the final quarter of last year after better-than-expected expansion in December, according to official figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) edged 0.

Britain’s economy grew in the final three months of 2024 to ensure the UK avoided going into recession. In a further boost for chancellor Rachel Reeves, official figures showed GDP increased by 0.4% in December,