UK economy returns to growth meagre as spending in pubs boosts output

The UK economy returned to growth in April, as surging car sales and shoppers spending in pubs and bars helped overall manufacturing recover from a wave of public sector strikes last month

The Office for National Statistics said Wednesday that monthly gross domestic product grew by a paltry 0.2 percent, meeting economists' predictions for a rebound since March when production fell by 0.3%.

"Households responded to the improving weather in April by raising their levels of discretionary spending – even in the face of rising costs." - Kitty Ussher

Fueled by rising consumer spending in the country's dominant service sector, a surge in activity was partly offset by a drop in health care production, driven by doctors' strikes.

Activity in computer manufacturing and pharmaceutical was also down.

He said home owners and estate agents had had a bad month under pressure from rising interest rates and falling real estate values.

"The economy continues to skirt recession," - David Bharier

More generally, in the three months to April, GDP grew by 0.1 per cent, marginally higher than the pre-pandemic level for the UK economy.

The U.S. economy grew by 0.1% in the first quarter, consistent with the pace shown in the last three months of 2022.

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