Sunak's Hopes For 'Bounceback' Fade As UK Economy Flatlines In April

The UK economy flatlined in April, held back by wet weather, as the signs of a recovery from last year's recession began to fade.

- Phillip Inman

In a blow to Rishi Sunak's hopes of signalling a strong bounceback before the general election on 4 July, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said monthly growth stalled after a 0.4% increase in March.

The economy was unable to maintain its momentum after being weighed down by the struggling retail sector, a downturn in manufacturing and a drop in construction output.

The 0% growth figure matched the forecast by City economists, who blamed the heavy rain for the lack of shoppers and the difficulties faced by workers on building sites.