UK economy returns to growth as car manufacturing rebounds

The UK economy returned to growth in November after a boost from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) factories restarting production following a cyber attack, according to official figures.

The Office for National Statistics said UK gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.3% for the month, following a 0.1% decline in October.

The increase was sharper than expected, with economists having predicted a 0.2% rise for the month.

Official figures also showed the UK economy grew in September, with a 0.1% rise, after previous estimates of a 0.1% fall were revised on the back of more data, particularly from the pharmaceutical sector.

November’s economic growth was supported by a 25.5% jump in the motor manufacturing industry as it continued to bounce back following a sharp fall in activity in September after JLR’s factory shutdown.

ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown said: “Data for the latest month show that this industry has now largely recovered.

“Construction contracted again, registering its largest three-monthly fall in nearly three years.”

Published: 15/01/2026 by Radio NewsHub