UK economy jumps in May, boosted by busy doctors and hauliers

BRITAIN’S economy expanded unexpectedly in May, driven by a rise in local doctor appointments and growth in other sectors although consumer-facing services fell slightly as inflation mounted, according to official figures.

Economic output grew by 0.5 per cent in May, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on Wednesday (Jul 13).

A Reuters poll of economists had pointed to zero growth in May from April.

Health services were a major driver of growth, the ONS said, citing “a large rise in GP appointments”.

Road hauliers also had a busy month, while travel agencies fared well with pent-up demand for holidays, the ONS said.

Over the 3 months to May, GDP was up by 0.4 per cent, compared with the Reuters poll forecast of 0 per cent.

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The Bank of England has predicted that GDP will contract in the April-June period. Although it is expected to return to growth in the third quarter, many analysts point to the risk of the economy going into a recession later this year. REUTERS