Return to school unexpectedly boosts UK economy in January

Children returning to school after an illness-ravaged December provided an unexpected, one-off boost to Britain’s economy in January, when growth in output exceeded forecasts, data showed today (10).

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Britain’s economy expanded 0.3% month-on-month, after a drop of 0.5 per cent in December – a reading that is likely to further allay recession fears, at least in the short term.

A Reuters poll of economists had pointed to growth of 0.1 per cent.

Britain economy had proved “more resilient than many expected, but there is a long way to go,” said finance minister Jeremy Hunt, who presents his annual budget next week.

Hunt looks set to keep his grip on the public finances in Wednesday’s budget, refraining from big tax cuts or spending increases until the next election comes closer into view.

The ONS said half of the 0.3% growth rate comprised the education sector, as a result of children returning to school after a significant drop in attendance in December.

The entertainment sector – helped by the men’s soccer Premier League returning to action after the 2022 World Cup – was another fillip for the economy. In a sign of deeper problems for the economy, manufacturing and construction contracted.

“Looking beneath the surface, the figures suggest the economy is on weaker ground than it appears,” Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at consultancy Capital Economics.

Martin Beck, chief economic advisor to the EY ITEM Club forecasting group, said widespread strikes in December and January likely explained why the economy remained below its level in November.

The ONS said economic output in January stood 0.2 per cent below its pre-pandemic level of February 2020 – in contrast to other advanced economies – and had shown zero growth over the last three months and the past year.

The government had previously reported high rates of flu and scarlet fever during December. Fear of contracting COVID-19 over Christmas may also have contributed to children being taken out of school early.

Education represents 6 per cent of Britain’s economy and student numbers are the main way the ONS measures the quantity of output the sector provides.