The economy grew by 0.8% in May – a figure that fell well short of economists’ expectations and is 3.1% below its pre-pandemic peak.The figure was just over half of the 1.5% growth forecast by economists and it was also lower than the 2% growth seen in April, when restrictions eased for non-essential retailers, hairdressers, pubs and restaurants.
Compared with May last year, when the country was in its first coronavirus lockdown, GDP was up by nearly 25%, the Office for National Statistics said.Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world
Also included in the figures:
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• The services sector grew …
