Economics
U.K. Economy Surges in July But Clouds Gather Over Brexit
- Output rises 6.6.%, in line with economists’ forecasts
- Return to pre-pandemic levels still a way off, analysts say
Customers sit at a restaurant in London on Sept. 7.
Photographer: Jason Alden/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Britain recorded strong economic growth in July as coronavirus restrictions eased, but mounting job losses and the risk of a messy Brexit are threatening a turbulent end to the year.
Gross domestic product rose 6.6% from June, when it gained a record 8.7%, with activity being boosted by the reopening of restaurants and bars in early July. However, the country has clawed back little more than half of the output lost during the lockdown, and recovering the rest may prove difficult.