Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as the UK records its fastest monthly growth since last July
- UK economy grew 2.3% in April as economy unlocked
- Fastest growth since last summer
- Service sector drove growth
- GDP still 3.7% smaller than February 2020
- Introduction: UK GDP report for April
- Photos: England begins reopening as Covid lockdown eases
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak says:
“Today’s figures are a promising sign that our economy is beginning to recover.
“With more than a million people coming off furlough across March and April and the number of employees in work rising, it is clear that our Plan for Jobs is working.
Deputy national statistician Jonathan Athow says the 9.2% surge in retail spending in April boosted economic growth, as did the return of pupils to the classroom, and the reopening of hospitality firms.
Commenting on today’s GDP figures for April, @jathers_ONS said: (1/2) pic.twitter.com/SLzxHAbIi1
Continuing, @jathers_ONS said: (2/2) pic.twitter.com/vQMCmv5XIP