UK Economy Grew More than First Estimated in Early 2024

The UK economy grew by more than initially estimated in the first three months of 2024 as it emerged from recession.

The Office for National Statistics, ONS, said between January and March, the economy grew by 0.7 per cent. Figures released last month initially estimated growth had been 0.6 per cent.

The strength of the economy has been a central battleground in the general election campaign, with growth having been sluggish in recent years.

The ONS said original figure for the first quarter of the year was stronger than economists had expected, and growth in the services sector, which includes businesses such as hairdressers, banks, and hospitality, helped to push it higher

But while services growth was revised upwards, increases in manufacturing were revised down on the back of more data being collected.