Video: GDP figures reveal economy climbs out of double-dip recession The return to growth after three consecutive quarters of contraction is welcome news for a coalition government under pressure to do more to revive the economy and shaken last week by the resignation of a senior minister. City experts had expected a rise of 0.6pc. The actual figure is the biggest increase since the third quarter of 2007. The third quarter reading was boosted by ticket sales for the London Olympics and a rebound from the previous three months when an extra public holiday dented output.