The UK economy has grown slightly for the second month in a row, official figures show.

Gross domestic product (GDP) grew just 0.1% in February, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

It’s another signal that the UK economy is working its way out of recession.

Follow latest: At what age do you reach peak earnings?

Growth of 0.3% was recorded last month – and that figure has been revised upwards from a previous estimate of 0.2%.

A recession was declared in February after data showed two quarters of economic contraction.

If the economy expands for three months, the UK will be officially out of recession.

Requesting flexible working now a legal right for all workers from first day in job

Construction industry returns to growth after months of decline

UK manufacturing returns to growth for first time in 20 months

February growth came thanks to expansion in manufacturing, especially in the car industry, the ONS said.

The services sector also grew a little as public transport, haulage, and telecommunications had a strong month.

Overall growth was historically small as sectors such as construction were hampered by heavy rainfall.

It’s not the first time rain has dampened production and economic growth as a result.

As the UK experienced a record 18 months of rainfall retail sales and building activity in particular have been down, weighing on productivity across the country.

But when the past three months are looked at as a whole, the economy grew for the first time since last summer, the ONS said.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

It’s good news for the Conservative party as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made growing the economy one of his five priorities.

So far only one has been achieved – halving inflation.

Responding to the data, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said:

“These figures are a welcome sign that the economy is turning a corner, and we can build on this progress if we stick to our plan.

“Last week our cuts to National Insurance for 29 million working people came into effect across Britain, as part of our plan to reward work and grow the economy.”

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said:

“Our economy is still smaller than this time last year with growth stuck in the slow lane. Real wages are still worth less than in 2008. And millions are struggling to cover their bills.

“We need a proper economic plan to turn the country around – not just more scraping along the bottom. That means a real industrial strategy. And it means making sure that our fiscal framework supports government investment in our crumbling infrastructure and public services.”

Related posts:

Mr Kipling maker hints at price rises ahead as it spends big to stock shelves for Christmas Two more energy suppliers collapse as pipeline delay prompts fresh gas price spike Oil soars back above $105 as Ukraine crisis sanctions intensify House prices growing at fastest rate since 2004 Fracking U-turn as Cuadrilla’s UK wells given stay of execution by regulator Ex-ASOS chief Beighton to take reins at Matchesfashion BMW in talks with UK government over £75m grant for electric Mini L&G shuts modular housing factory with loss of 450 jobs Ministry of Defence software supplier Adarga strikes £17m funding deal Dozens more bank closures announced as customers go online Wilko rescue bid collapses placing jobs at risk Afolami to hail London capital markets “renaissance”