HOW BRITAIN DEFIED THE GLOOM

2017-03-20 -

Manufacturing is growing at 2.1pc, its fastest since 2010

Exports are up by 8.7pc, marking six months of growth in a row

Unemployment is down 31,000, hitting its lowest rate last week since 1975

Imports have increased 1.6pc

Average earnings have risen 2.2pc, down by 0.4pc on December but still above inflation

The Bank of England has increased its economic growth forecasts for the next three years