Figures published by the Office for National Statistics on 10 May 2024 show that the UK has officially exited recession.
UK gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have increased by 0.6% in Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2024, following declines of 0.3% in Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) and 0.1% in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2023. The UK had entered a period of recession after its GDP had shrunk for more than two quarters in a row.
To read more, see: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/grossdomesticproductgdp/bulletins/gdpfirstquarterlyestimateuk/januarytomarch2024
If you’re a parent of a 16 to 19-year-old who’s staying in full-time education or training, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding families to extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August to avoid the payments stopping altogether.
With many families finding out where their child will be starting school this September, now is a good time for working parents to start planning childcare. The government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme can save them up to £2,000 a year per child – and this could be good news for employers as well as employees.