Lockdown restrictions saw the UK economy contract at the start of 2021 but the hit was smaller than first feared as growth rebounded in March, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that gross domestic product (GDP) – a measure of the size of the economy – fell by 1.5% between January and March as lockdown took its toll.
A resilient performance in March helped soften the blow, with GDP rising by a better-than-expected 2.1% month on month despite restrictions remaining firmly in place.
READ MORE: British exceptionalism no comfort at all to international travel sector
The ONS said the reopening of schools in March and solid retail spending helped drive the recovery.
GDP grew 2.1% in March but remains 5.9% below its pre-pandemic peak.
Services grew 1.9% (7.2% below), manufacturing grew 2.1% (2.2% below) and construction grew 5.8% (2.4% above) https://t.co/FIpL48Qtxt pic.twitter.com/v1YqGiDNBV
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) May 12, 2021
It comes…
