GDP figures show 0.2% growth

The UK economy grew by 0.2% between April and June it was confirmed yesterday by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

This is a fall on growth figures for the previous quarter, when growth of 0.5% had been recorded.

Extraneous factors were said to have affected the disappointing figures, which included the impact of the Japanese tsunami and the creation of a new bank holiday for the Royal Wedding.

The figure could have been 0.5 pc higher without the impact of these factors, said the ONS.

Transport, storage and communication, which includes haulage, was said to have contributed to growth in the Services sector, which saw growth of 0.5%. With Services making up over three-quarters of GDP, it is important to the economy as a whole that this sector sees growth.