UK GDP rose 0.1% in May, reversing April's 0.1% contraction.
Why it matters: The small rebound adds to signs the UK economy is still growing, but only modestly. That keeps pressure on the debate over rates, fiscal headroom, and how durable the recovery really is.
- The Office for National Statistics said monthly GDP rose 0.1% in May 2026 after a 0.1% fall in April.
- Services output increased 0.3% in May, while production fell 0.5% and construction fell 0.8%.
- GDP was 0.7% higher in the three months to May than in the three months to February.
- ONS said GDP in May was 1.3% higher than a year earlier.
The UK economy returned to growth in May, with official data showing GDP rose 0.1% after an unrevised 0.1% contraction in April.
The Office for National Statistics said the monthly gain was driven by services, which rose 0.3% in May. That strength was offset by weaker output in other parts of the economy, with production down 0.5% and construction down 0.8%.
The broader trend was still positive. GDP rose 0.7% in the three months to May compared with the three months to February, and output was 1.3% higher than in May 2025.
Reuters said the monthly rise matched economists' median expectations and that services drove the rebound while industrial production and construction contracted. The report also noted that the release came as policymakers and markets continue to weigh the UK's fragile growth outlook.
A separate House of Commons Library briefing said first-quarter 2026 GDP growth of 0.6% beat both the Office for Budget Responsibility's March forecast of 0.3% and the Bank of England's April forecast of 0.5%.
The ONS published the May monthly GDP release on 16 July 2026.
By the numbers
- 0.1% - UK monthly GDP growth in May 2026 after a 0.1% fall in April
- 0.7% - GDP growth in the three months to May versus the three months to February
- 1.3% - GDP growth in May 2026 versus May 2025
Yes, but: The rebound was narrow: services grew, but production and construction both shrank, leaving the recovery fragile.