The UK economy made an unexpected return to growth in May as it expanded by 0.5%, bouncing back from April’s 0.2% decline, the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show.
Growth was fuelled by a boom in holiday bookings and a large rise in GP appointments and hauliers.
Economists had predicted zero growth in May.
Darren Morgan, ONS director for economic statistics, said: “The economy rebounded in May with growth across all main sectors.
“Health was the biggest driver with many more people seeing GPs, despite test and trace and the vaccination programmes winding down.
“Road hauliers also had a busy month, while travel agencies fared well with pent-up demand for summer holidays.
“There was widespread growth across manufacturing after several tough months, while construction also fared well with housebuilding and office refurbishment driving growth.”
