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GDP Monthly Estimate: November 2021

UK GDP grew 0.9% in November, and is now 0.7% above February 2020’s pre-pandemic level

Monthly GDP index, November 2019 until November 2021, 2019 = 100. Source: ONS

  • GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.9% in November 2021 and is above its pre-pandemic level (Feb 2020) for the first time, by 0.7%.
  • All sectors contributed to economic growth. Services (0.7%), production (1.0%) and construction (3.5%) output all increased between October and November

Services

Services, which account for c.80% of the UK economy, grew 0.7% in November, and is now 1.3% above its pre-pandemic level (Feb 2020). 

Professional, scientific and technical activities grew by 2.5% in November and was the main contributor to services growth. Anecdotal evidence shows that a lot of architectural and accounting work was brought forward before the year end. 

Transport and storage also grew strongly (3.8%), driven by warehouse and courier activities amid increased retail demand during the busy Black Friday period and build-up to Christmas. 

Consumer-facing services grew by 0.8% in November, reflecting robust 1.4% growth in retail trade as shoppers splashed out in preparation for festivities and social occasions. 

Overall, services output grew by 1.3% in the three months to November, compared with the previous three months (Jun-Aug). Consumer-facing services remain 5.0% below their pre-pandemic levels, while all other services are 2.9% above them.

Construction

Construction output rose by 3.5% in November, following a fall of 1.7% in October. This is the largest rise in construction activity since March 2021. The construction sector is now 1.3% above its pre-pandemic level. 

Anecdotal evidence suggested some of the issues in sourcing construction materials over recent months has eased. Also, the unseasonal mild and dry weather throughout November ensured businesses could continue operating on sites during the month. 

Overall, in the three months to November, construction output increased by 1.6%.

Production

Production output increased by 1.0% in November. This follows two consecutive months of decline in production (-0.5% in October and -0.7% in September). 

Manufacturing was the main contributor to production growth in November, increasing by 1.1%, with positive growth in 9 out of the 13 manufacturing sub-sectors, including the manufacture of motor vehicles (7.8%) after two months of contraction. 

However, production output remains 2.6% below its February 2020 level, the last month of “normal” trading conditions prior to the pandemic, as manufacturing continues to suffer from material and labour shortages in some areas. 

Overall, in the three months to November, production output fell by 0.1%

GDP Sector Breakdown

Source: ONS

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