// Following the final easing of restrictions the UK economy grew by 4.8% in the second quarter of the year
// The country’s gross domestic product increased by a further 1% in June
The UK economy grew by 4.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2021 as lockdown restrictions lifted and Britons returned to physical shops and restaurants, according to the latest official figures.
The report said it was aided by the return of pupils to schools and a widespread leap in consumer spending.
The Office for National Statistics said the country’s gross domestic product increased by a further 1 per cent in June, creating five consecutive months of growth.
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ONS deputy national statistician for economic statistics Jonathan Athow said: “The UK economy has continued to rebound strongly, with hospitality benefiting from the first full month of indoor dining, while spending on advertising was boosted by the reopening of many services.
“Health services also showed growth, with many more people visiting their GP. However, GDP is still around two percentage points below its pre-pandemic peak.
“The often-erratic pharmaceutical industry saw a large monthly fall while oil and gas production again fell as North Sea maintenance continued. Energy usage also dropped as summer finally arrived across the UK.
“While goods imports from both EU and non-EU countries increased in June, total goods exports were down with car exports faltering due to previous months’ production problems.”
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