Here’s how warm weather in June lifted the UK economy 

According to official numbers, warm weather in June helped UK economy grow by more than predicted.

Higher temperatures raised pubs, restaurants and the construction industry, boosting the economy by 0.5%.

UK economy June results: 

The more robust data meant the economy improved by 0.2% between April and June.

However, strikes by NHS employees weighed on work in June, and fears of a recession stay over the UK’s longer-term growth.

Darren Morgan, head of economic statistics at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which issued the data, said three factors impacted the UK in June – the number of working days, weather and industrial activity.

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He said while the economy jumped back from May’s extra Bank Holiday for the King’s Coronation, the manufacturing industry – and automobiles in particular – had performed robustly.

“Services also had a strong month with publishing and car sales and legal services all doing well,” he stated. “Though this was partially offset by falls in health, which was hit by further strike action.”

While June’s gain was better than expected, the UK stays the only nation out of the G7 countries not to see its gross domestic product (GDP) return to pre-Covid levels, based on the recent quarterly numbers.

James Smith, research director at the Resolution Foundation think tank, stated that an increase of 0.2% between April and June showed the UK’s “relative resilience”.

The UK has dodged a recession after the economy grew by 0.1% in the first three months of this year. A recession is usually when the economy contracts for two three-month terms – or quarters – in a row.

Mr Smith stated that while the UK has shifted a slowdown, it “will feel like a recession to many as families struggle with the ever-rising cost of essentials and higher mortgage repayments”.