UK economic growth slows less than expected in Q2

(Sharecast News) - UK economic growth slowed in the second quarter, albeit less than expected, according to figures released on Thursday by the Office for National Statistics. The economy grew 0.3% following 0.7% growth in the first quarter, and versus expectations for a 0.1% expansion.

The ONS said growth was driven by increases of 0.4% in services and 1.2% in construction, while growth in the production sector fell 0.3%.

In the month of June, the economy grew 0.4%.

Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the ONS, said: "Growth slowed in the second quarter after a strong start to the year.

"The economy was weak across April and May, with some activity having been brought forward to February and March ahead of stamp duty and tariff changes, but then recovered strongly in June.

"Across the second quarter as a whole growth was led by services, with computer programming, health and vehicle leasing growing.

"Construction also increased while production fell back slightly.

"Growth for the quarter was also boosted by updated source data for April, which while still showing a contraction, was better than initially estimated.

"Services also drove growth in June with scientific R&D, engineering and car sales all having a strong month.

"Within production, which recovered, manufacture of electronics performed especially well."