The UK economy returned to growth in May after a contraction in April, surprising economists.
Output grew 0.5 per cent between April and May, figures from the Office for National Statistics showed on Wednesday, an improvement on the flat performance expected by economists polled by Reuters.
Darren Morgan, ONS director of economic statistics, said that “the economy rebounded in May with growth across all main sectors.”
Health was the biggest driver, he added, with many more people seeing GPs, despite the Covid-19 test-and-trace and vaccination programmes winding down. Services output grew 0.4 per cent as human health and social work activities increased by 2.1 per cent.
Road hauliers also had a busy month, while travel agencies fared well with pent-up demand for summer holidays.
There was widespread growth across manufacturing after several tough months, while construction also did well with housebuilding and office refurbishment driving growth.
Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said: “It’s always great to see the economy growing but I’m not complacent. I know people are concerned so we are continuing to support families and economic growth.”
