UK

UK economy returns to growth following shallow recession

UK GDP rose by 0.2 per cent in January

A strong month for retail sales helped drive growth in January, as well as improved activity for housebuilders following a downturn in the housing market. Picture: Getty

The UK economy returned to growth at the start of the year, according to official figures, raising hopes that the country could be on its way out of a shallow recession.

Gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have risen by 0.2 per cent in January, following a decline of 0.1 per cent in December, the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

A strong month for retail sales helped drive growth in January, as ...