THE UK economy grew by 2.1% in March despite the coronavirus lockdown causing many businesses to temporarily shut.
It comes after a 1.5% fall in the first part of the year when Covid-restrictions limited the usual New Year spending.
1
Despite the rise, the economy remained 5.9% below its level in February 2020, before the first coronavirus lockdown, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Darren Morgan, ONS director of economic statistics, said: “The strong recovery seen in March, led by retail and the return of schools, was not enough to prevent the UK economy contracting over the first quarter as a whole, with the lockdown affecting much of the services sector.
“However, construction grew strongly over the quarter and, in March, was above its pre-pandemic level.
“Manufacturing also recovered from an initial fall, increasing strongly in February and March, as businesses continued to adapt and make themselves Covid-19 secure.
“Exports of goods to the EU continued to increase in March and are now almost back to their December level.
“However, imports from Europe remain sluggish in the first three months of the year, being outstripped by non-EU imports for the first time on record.”
More to follow…
For the latest news on this story keep checking back at Sun Online.
Thesun.co.uk is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Download our fantastic, new and improved free App for the best ever Sun Online experience. For iPhone click here, for Android click here.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
DOUGH-WAY!
McVitie’s launches ‘Jaffa Jonuts’ – a Jaffa Cake and doughnut
SUN SAVERS
Spruce up the garden and zap your unsightly weeds with these household products
EVERY LITTLE HELPS
Tesco launches dupes of Aldi’s Specialbuy furniture and they are CHEAPER
LAST ORDERS
The six Wetherspoon pubs NOT reopening on May 17 revealed
TO THE POINT
Morrisons’ new loyalty scheme changes revealed – and how it will affect you
CHILL OUT
Aldi’s stylish rattan garden furniture comes with a built-in wine cooler
