Commenting on Thursday’s ONS figures, showing GDP falling 0.3% in April but rising 0.7% in the three months to April, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak has shared his comments.
He said: “Despite a challenging international context, these figures show the economy continues to strengthen. Improving retail sales show growing consumer confidence and construction growth is also up. As the ONS report, some economic activity was brought forward to March, which has affected today’s overall data.
“The Spending Review has provided an important foundation for future growth. Funding for key infrastructure projects will help deliver industrial revival, and much-needed cash injections will start to fix our public services.
“The Bank of England must do its part too. We need further interest rate cuts soon to ease the pressure on household budgets and to make it more affordable for businesses to invest.”
