PA MediaThe UK economy flatlined in July for the second month in a row, according to the latest official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) recorded no growth in July.
Economists had been expecting GDP to edge up by 0.1% in the month, according to a consensus provided by Pantheon Macroeconomics.
The latest data comes after the economy continued its recovery from recession at the end of last year, with growth of 0.6% between April and June.
ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown said: “The economy recorded no growth for the second month running, though longer term strength in the services sector meant there was growth over the last three months as a whole.
“July’s monthly services growth was led by computer programmers and health, which recovered from strike action in June. These gains were partially offset by falls for advertising companies, architects and engineers.
“Manufacturing fell, overall, with a particularly poor month for car and machinery firms, while construction also declined.”
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