Covid-19 plunges UK economy into deepest ever recession - ONS

GDP fell by 20.4% in three months to June

clock • 2 min read

The UK economy suffered a record collapse in the second quarter, with gross domestic product plunging 19.8% between April and June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The figures confirm that the UK has now entered the biggest recession on record after GDP fell for two consecutive quarters. The fall is slightly less than the initial estimate of a 20.4% but still more than any other country in the EU. Overall GDP is now 21.8% smaller than at the end of 2019, highlighting the impact of coronavirus lockdown measures on economic activity. The ONS said: "While it is still true that these early estimates are prone to revision, we prefer to focus on the magnitude of the contraction that has taken place in response to the coronavirus pandemic. "It is...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Budget 26: Key takeaways from Healey's first Budget

Budget 26: Key takeaways from Healey's first Budget

Eight takeaways

Michael Nelson
clock 29 October 2026 • 4 min read
UK inflation jumps higher than forecast to 3.5% in 'dose of reality'

UK inflation jumps higher than forecast to 3.5% in 'dose of reality'

Interest rate hike ‘likely’

Michael Nelson
clock 21 October 2026 • 3 min read
Fahad Hassan: When good news becomes an inflation problem

Fahad Hassan: When good news becomes an inflation problem

'Markets have been adjusting to the risks through valuations all year'

Fahad Hassan
clock 29 September 2026 • 6 min read