UK recovery slows in Q3 following labour shortages - ONS

GDP came in at 1.3%, despite economic pick-up in September

clock • 1 min read

UK GDP data slowed sharply to 1.3% for the third quarter of the year, far weaker than Q2 figures of 5.5%, driven by material and labour shortages in manufacturing and construction.

Despite the slowdown for the third quarter overall, the economy grew 0.6% in September after shrinking in July, ONS data has shown. The latest data leaves the UK more than 2.1% below its pre-crisis levels in the final three months of 2019. Dan Boardman-Weston, CIO at BRI Wealth Management, said: "The weakness compared to Q2 is less relevant given the country was rebounding after lockdown and so the figures were really quite strong then. The overall picture is quite cautious given lingering uncertainties over a winter Covid resurgence, high levels of inflation and supply chain disrupti...

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

Burnham to stick with fiscal rules as power set to flow out of Whitehall

Burnham to stick with fiscal rules as power set to flow out of Whitehall

First speech since PM bid

clock 29 June 2026 • 2 min read
BoE's Alan Taylor: Extended interest rate hold an 'appropriately measured policy response'

BoE's Alan Taylor: Extended interest rate hold an 'appropriately measured policy response'

Geopolitics in the driving seat

Michael Nelson
clock 25 June 2026 • 2 min read
Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Prime minister’s exit places chancellor Rachel Reeves’ position ‘inevitably’ under scrutiny

Isabel Baxter
clock 22 June 2026 • 5 min read