UK economic growth eases as expected in second quarter

(Sharecast News) - Growth in the UK economy eased in the second quarter, as expected, according to figures released on Thursday by the Office for National Statistics. The economy grew 0.4% between April and June, down from 0.6% in the first quarter.

The services sector was the biggest contributor to growth, expanding 0.5%, while the construction sector grew 0.3% and production output showed no growth.

On the month, GDP grew 0.3% in June, having shown no growth in May and following a 0.1% contraction in April.

ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown said: "Growth slowed in the second quarter of the year, following a strong start to 2026, but remained relatively robust.

"Services were once again the main driver of growth, while production was broadly unchanged and construction also grew.

"Within services, computer programming and advertising continued to perform strongly, as they have done throughout the year, while wholesale was a notable area of weakness.

"While production was flat across the quarter, manufacturing grew, led by the often-volatile pharmaceutical industry alongside further strength in computer products.

"This was offset by falls in power generation and sewerage.

"Services also drove growth in June, with some businesses reporting that good weather and sporting events may have had a positive impact that month."