Services sector supports UK economic growth in January

Stronger sales in shops and online and more construction activity have helped the UK economy return to growth during January, according to the latest figures out today – 13 March.

The official figures show the economy grew by 0.2%, which follows a drop in output in the previous month.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the bounce back was led by the services sector, after a disappointing December for retailers.

It is the first official economic growth announcement since a recession was confirmed last month after two successive three-month periods of negative economic growth.

However, this data is an estimate and remains subject to revision.