UK economy's Covid catchup may take years despite signs of cheer
by Larry Elliott Economics editor from on (#580GC)
Rishi Sunak's response to GDP figures was telling because of concerns over jobs
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The response from Rishi Sunak to news that the economy grew by a hefty 6.6% in July was telling. Yes, the chancellor said, the rise in activity was welcome. But he was aware that many people were worried about losing their jobs or about making ends meet in the months to come.
That summed up neatly the glass-half-empty, glass-half-full nature of the latest health check on the economy from the Office for National Statistics. The good news was that gross domestic product has increased by more than 18% since the trough in output was reached in April.
Related: Treasury committee urges Sunak to rethink end to furlough scheme
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