UK GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.9% in November 2021 and is above its pre-pandemic level for the first time, by 0.7%, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Services and construction output are both 1.3% above pre-pandemic levels after having increased by 0.7% and 3.5% respectively between October and November 2021.

Production remains 2.6% below its size in February 2020, but grew by 1% in November last year.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said:

"It's amazing to see the size of the economy back to pre-pandemic levels in November - a testament to the grit and determination of the British people."

James Smith, research director at the Resolution Foundation, described the 0.9% growth in November as "most welcome".

"[There is] a lot of focus on returning to pre-pandemic levels but we should aim for a return to [the] pre-pandemic trend", he added.

According to the Resolution Foundation, December 2021 figures must show a 0.2% contraction or better for quarterly uUK GDP to surpass its pre-pandemic level.

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