UK economy shrank 0.3% in March, ONS figures show | Business News

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The UK economic system grew barely within the first three months of the yr, in keeping with official figures – however contracted in March.

Development of 0.1% was recorded by the Workplace of Nationwide Statistics (ONS) within the three months as much as March, the bottom quantity attainable to nonetheless be classed as development.

The economic system shrank 0.3% in March as retail and car sales fell sharply, and public sector strikes have been extra disruptive than February as NHS employees and academics took to picket traces.

Contraction additionally got here due to a 0.5% fall in providers manufacturing. Distribution and retail additionally had a poor month as price of residing pressures hit shoppers.

ONS publishes GDP information each month, which stands for gross home product and measures the sum whole of all the things produced within the economic system.

Increased financial development brings elevated tax revenues and sure greater incomes and requirements of residing.

As a part of his give attention to financial development, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says rising the economic system will create better-paid jobs and alternatives throughout the nation.

A 3 month interval, or quarter, of financial development means the UK is on the trail to keep away from recession. However the development recorded is small.

An economic system is technically in a recession after two quarters of financial development although the Financial institution of England now expects the UK will avoid recession this yr.

Right this moment’s announcement adopted a flatlining economy in February and development of 0.4% in January.

In response to the figures, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt mentioned: “It is excellent news that the economic system is rising however to succeed in the federal government’s development precedence we have to keep targeted on aggressive taxes, labour provide and productiveness.”

“The Financial institution of England governor confirmed yesterday that the finances has made an necessary begin however we’ll maintain going till the job is finished and we now have the excessive wage, excessive development economic system we want.”

Rachel Reeves MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, responding to the newest GDP forecast at this time, mentioned:

“Labour desires to match the ambition of the British folks – whereas the Tories would reasonably proceed down a path of managed decline of low development and excessive taxes.

“Regardless of our nation’s big potential and promise, at this time is one other day within the dismal low development file e-book of this Conservative authorities.

“The information stay that households are feeling worse off and we’re lagging behind on the worldwide stage.

“Labour’s mission to safe the best sustained development within the G7 will make households throughout each a part of our nation higher off.”

Labour’s shadow chancellor mentioned: “Labour desires to match the ambition of the British folks – whereas the Tories would reasonably proceed down a path of managed decline of low development and excessive taxes,”

“Regardless of our nation’s big potential and promise, at this time is one other day within the dismal low development file e-book of this Conservative authorities. The information stay that households are feeling worse off and we’re lagging behind on the worldwide stage,” Rachel Reeves added.

“Labour’s mission to safe the best sustained development within the G7 will make households throughout each a part of our nation higher off.”

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