UK economy grew slightly to avoid recession, says revised official data

The UK’s economy grew slightly in the final three months of 2022, according to revised official figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) had previously reported 0.0% growth in gross domestic product (GDP) at the end of last year, indicating that the UK avoided a recession by the skin of its teeth. However, revised figures now show that GDP increased by 0.1% over the quarter.

Economists said this was largely due to better-than-expected performances across the telecoms, construction and manufacturing industries.

A recession is generally defined in the UK as two quarters of declining GDP in a row. The revision more firmly indicates that the country avoided a recession during the second half of 2022.

It comes after a 0.1% decline in the third quarter, with decline for the period reduced due to another revision.

Darren Morgan, ONS Director of Economic Statistics, said: “The economy performed a little more strongly in the latter half of last year than previously estimated, with later data showing telecommunications, construction and manufacturing all faring better than initially thought in the latest quarter.

“Households saved more in the last quarter, with their finances boosted by the Government’s energy bill support scheme.

“Meanwhile, the UK’s balance of payments deficit with the rest of the world narrowed, driven by increased foreign earnings by UK companies, particularly in the energy sector.”

Earlier this month, the ONS reported an improvement in the economy in January, delivering a 0.3% increase in GDP during the month.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had said it showed that the “underlying fundamentals of the economy are strong” despite seeing a sharp downturn in GDP of 0.5% in December.