UK expected to leave recession as latest GDP figures published

1. How does GDP affect me?

   

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   The government can use growing GDP as evidence that it is doing a good job of managing the economy. Likewise, if GDP falls, opposition politicians say the government is running it badly.

   If GDP is going up steadily, people pay more in tax because they're earning and spending more.

   This means more money for the government, which it can choose to spend on public services, such as schools, police and hospitals.

   When the economy shrinks and a country goes into recession, these things can go into reverse.

   Governments tend to get less money in tax, which means they may decide to freeze or cut public spending. Or taxes may rise.

   In 2020, the Covid pandemic caused the most severe UK recession for more than 300 years, which forced the government to borrow hundreds of billions of pounds to support the economy.

2. What is a recession?

   A quick reminder - a country is usually described as being in a technical recession if GDP falls for two successive three-month periods - known as quarters.

   The UK fell into recession at the end of last year after the economy shrank by 0.1% in the third quarter and by 0.3% in the fourth quarter.

   Read more: What is a recession and how could it affect me?

3. What is GDP and how is it worked out?

   GDP is a measure of all the economic activity of companies, governments and people in a country.

   In the UK, new GDP figures are published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) every month.

   However, quarterly figures - covering three months at a time - are considered more important.

   Most economists, politicians and businesses like to see GDP rising steadily, because it usually means people are spending more, extra jobs are created, more tax is paid and workers get better pay rises.

   When GDP is falling, it means the economy is shrinking - which can be bad news for businesses and workers.

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4. Latest GDP figures to be published shortly

   

   Emily McGarvey

   Live editor

   Good morning, and welcome to our coverage of today’s big economic story - whether the UK is still officially in recession.

   In just under an hour’s time we’ll find out just how well the economy is doing with what’s known as the GDP figures, or Gross Domestic Product.

   GDP, which broadly covers economic growth, measures the value of goods and services that the UK produces. It's measured by looking at output, expenditure and income.

   Basically, when the number rises it means the economy's doing well - and when it falls it’s doing badly.

   GDP matters because it influences how businesses act, how the government chooses to set its tax and spending policies, and what the Bank of England does with its interest rates.

   We’ll get the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics at 07:00 BST. Stick with us for the announcement, as well as reaction and analysis from our experts.