Britain’s economy shrank at the start of the year, official figures showed in a major blow to Rachel Reeves’s ambitions to kick start growth. The UK’s gross domestic product contracted by 0.1pc in January, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It was down from 0.4pc growth in December and below analyst estimates of 0.1pc growth.

BRITAIN’S economic growth fell unexpectedly in the first month of this year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Gross Domestic Product (GDP) edged down by 0.1% in January.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the economy contracted 0.1% during the month, behind expert predictions and down from a 0.4% rise in December. | ITV National News

The British economy unexpectedly shrank during January, piling pressure on Treasury chief Rachel Reeves before a key statement about the state of the public finances later this month

The UK economy shrank unexpectedly in January, in a blow to the government ahead of its Spring Statement later this month. The economy contracted by 0.1%, which was weaker than forecast, driven mainly by a decline in the manufacturing sector.

Britain's economy unexpectedly shrank in January, official data showed Friday, piling more pressure on the Labour government ahead of its Spring Statement on the economy.

The slowdown in January piles further pressure on Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer ahead off this month’s spring statement