UK economy continues to recover from recession

The UK economy continued to recover from recession in the first three months of the year, according to official estimates.

GDP grew by 0.2% between January and March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. That was weaker than the 0.4% growth predicted by many economists, but the figure may be revised. The last quarter of 2009 saw GDP growth of 0.4% - revised up from an initial estimate of 0.1%. The ONS said the bad weather seen at the beginning of the year may have had an impact on output - particularly in the retail and industrial sectors. But despite that, manufacturing output grew by 0.7% over the quarter, while the utilities sector saw output rise by 2.5%.

Coke criticised for 'condoning sick days' in an advert

A small business group has criticised Coca-Cola for adverts which appeared to condone being off work without reason.

Wording on a water brand owned by Coca-Cola says: "If you've had to use sick days because you've actually been sick, then you're seriously missing out."

The Glaceau Vitamin Water advert, which angered the Forum of Private Business, continued: "The trick is to stay perky and use sick days to just, not go in."

Coca-Cola said the advert was in no way meant as a serious recommendation.

The business organisation said it was "unacceptable to encourage workers to throw 'sickies' in order to sell a soft drink. A company of the standing of Coca-Cola should know better".

It claimed employee absence was costing the UK's economy almost £12bn-a-year in lost working days.

UK economy set to outpace most G7 peers, says OECD

The UK economy is forecast to outstrip its G7 peers in the second quarter of this year, says the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The OECD predicted the UK would grow at an annualised rate of 3.1% in the second quarter of 2010.

Such a rate would put the UK ahead of the US, Japan, Germany, France and Italy - but not Canada.

The British Chambers of Commerce also said the UK had avoided a double-dip recession in the first quarter of 2010.

However, the BCC warned that the UK's recovery was weak and there remained a risks of setbacks in the future.

Permanent hires rise in March

The number of permanent hires rose again in March, growing at their fastest pace since October 1997, according to the latest Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG’s Report on Jobs.

The data shows thatshort-term staff appointments rose at their strongest rate for 34 months in March

Kevin Green, chief executive of the REC, says:“Permanent appointments increasing at the fastest pace for over 12 years is the clearest sign yet of a revival in the UK jobs market. A rise in both temporary and contract work at the sharpest rate for nearly three years shows how they continue to provide vital flexibility for UK businesses, as well as a valuable route back into work for jobseekers.”