The UK economy flatlined in September but it means the country has avoided a recession this year.

Fresh data from the Office for National Statistics shows that gross domestic product (GDP) – which measures the value of goods and services produced – rose by 0.2% over the month, although growth in August was revised down to 0.1% from 0.2%.

The figures also indicate the economy failed to grow at all in the third quarter, but it does mean the UK dodges a recession this year which is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative GDP.

ONS director of economic statistics Darren Morgan said: “The economy is estimated to have shown no growth in the third quarter.

“Services dropped a little with falls in health, management consultancy and commercial property rentals.

“These were partially offset by growth in engineering, car sales and machinery leasing.

“In the month of September the economy grew slightly, with increases in film production, health and education.

“This growth was partially offset by falls in retail and computer programming.”