In response to new GDP data released today, John Hawksworth, PwC's chief economist, said:

'Despite some global headwinds, the UK economy continued to deliver solid growth of 0.5% in Q4 2015, close to its long term trend rate. As in previous quarters, this reflected the strength of domestic demand and private services sectors, while manufacturing and construction output were broadly flat.

'Looking ahead, strong job creation, low energy prices and positive real income growth should keep consumer spending growth at a decent rate of around 2.5% in 2016. This should allow the UK economy as a whole to deliver continued steady growth of just over 2% this year, despite recent financial market volatility.'

Ends

PwC - PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP issued this content on 28 January 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 28 January 2016 14:09:03 UTC

Original Document: http://pwc.blogs.com/press_room/2016/01/gdp-figures-pwc-chief-economist-comments.html