UK economy returns to growth as GDP rises 0.5% in October

The Bank of England said last month the UK economy was probably already in a recession that could last until the end of 2023. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA

Britain’s economy returned to growth in October as activity bounced back from the impact of the additional bank holiday for the Queen’s funeral, however a long recession is still expected.

The Office for National Statistics said gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.5% on the month, after a decline of 0.6% in September when many businesses closed their doors during the national mourning period.