UK gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have grown by 0.4% in February 2021, as government restrictions affecting economic activity remained broadly unchanged. The service sector grew by 0.2% in February 2021, as wholesale and retail trade sales picked up a little but, overall, consumer-facing services industries remain well below pre-pandemic (February 2020) levels. Output in the production sector grew by 1.0% in February 2021, as manufacturing grew 1.3% following contraction in January. The construction sector grew by 1.6% in February 2021, driven by growth in both new work and repair and maintenance. … (full story)