UK ‘may avoid recession’ until later this year after World Cup boost

There is ‘plenty of headroom’ in the economy, says Institute of Economic Affairs

Buoyant sales at bars during the tournament lifted the econony (PA)

Britain's economy unexpectedly grew in November after a boost from World Cup drinkers and early Christmas shoppers, reducing the chances it has already slipped into recession.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recorded an increase of 0.1 per cent as the services sector remained in growth despite the soaring cost of living. Analysts had predicted the economy would shrink by 0.3 per cent.

Experts at the ONS said the slight rise was supported by the technology sector and a strong showing by pubs and bars during a boost from the World Cup in Qatar, which began on 20 November.