THE UK economy remained in the doldrums in the second quarter of the year after official figures showed weaker than expected GDP growth.
Estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) put quarter on quarter growth at 0.3 per cent in the three months to the end of last month after the UK saw near stagnant output of 0.1 per cent in the first quarter.
The data, which is still subject to revision, puts further pressure on Chancellor Gordon Brown's hopes of meeting his budget target for GDP of between two per cent and 2.5 per cent.
Before yesterday, economists were looking for annual growth of about 1.8 per cent, with some experts pencilling in second quarter GDP of 0.5 per cent.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article