The UK economy gathered momentum in April as shops, hairdressers and restaurants serving outdoors re-opened for business after months of lockdown to fight the coronavirus. Trade provided a boost for this month’s figures, shaking off disruptions following Britain’s exit from the European Union. Construction dropped 2 per cent after a 5.8 per cent gain in March. Economists had expected growth across all sectors of the economy to produce a 2.4 per cent gain in GDP for the month. UK chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Today’s figures are a promising sign that our economy is beginning to recover.

Source: The Irish Times June 11, 2021 07:02 UTC