No double-dip recession but risks remain - BCC

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The UK's economy continued to grow in the first quarter, avoiding a double-dip recession, but the recovery remains weak, warns the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The BCC's latest survey of 5,500 businesses suggests the services sector largely fuelled growth in the first quarter, but the manufacturer sector is still struggling and the economy remains fragile. With Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday setting the General Election date for 6 May, the BCC says political parties now need viable plans to get the country's finances back on track. The UK emerged from recession in the final quarter of last year, with the rate of economic growth revised up to 0.4% from an original estimate of 0.1%.  

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