The UK economy returned to growth for the first time in three months, but the expansion was less than expected. The 0.1% uptick in November was driven by trade for pubs, restaurants and the construction industry, after it shrank in October and September. The figures come after recent turbulence in financial markets sent the UK's borrowing costs to the highest level for several years and the value of the pound down. But with tax rises coming into effect in April, the sluggish figures have fuelled further concerns that stagnant growth could persist in the UK for some time.