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.
ONS director of economic statistics Darren Morgan 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 test and trace and the vaccination programmes winding down. Services output grew by 0.4 per cent as human health and social work activities grew 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 of the exchequer, 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.”
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