Contrary to expectations, the UK economy did not grow in the third quarter of the year, an influential economic group has predicted. Gross domestic product (GDP) was unchanged from July to September, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) calculated. Official GDP figures for the third quarter will be released on 23 October. Many economists predicted there would be growth in the three-month period, which would end the UK recession. The NIESR blamed the economy's failure to register any growth on weak industrial production in August, especially reduced activity in the oil industry. (full story)