Hot weather helps economy to avoid recession... for now

The UK has staved off a recession for now after the economy grew by 0.2 per cent between April and June, latest figures show. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed that gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.5 per cent in June, helped by the manufacturing sector.

- MARYAM ZAKIR-HUSSAIN HOLLY EVANS

Economists had expected GDP to grow by 0.2 per cent in June and to remain flat in the quarter as a whole. By comparison, it grew by 0.1 per cent in the first quarter of the year.

ONS director of economic statistics Darren Morgan said: “The economy bounced back from the effects of May’s extra bank holiday to record strong growth in June. Manufacturing saw a particularly strong month with both cars and the often erratic pharmaceutical industry seeing particularly buoyant growth.

“Services also had a strong month with publishing and car sales and legal services all doing well, though this was partially offset by falls in health, which was hit by further strike action. Construction also grew strongly, as did pubs and restaurants, with both aided by the hot weather.”