UK GDP grows in July, still 11.7% below pre-virus level

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) - The UK economy grew by 6.6% in July on a monthly basis after relaxing measures to stem the COVID19 pandemic, but it is still 11.7% below the pre-pandemic level, the country announced on Friday.

The country's gross domestic product (GDP) posted rise during the three successive months, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

Darren Morgan, the ONS director of economic statistics, said: "While it has continued steadily on the path towards recovery, the UK economy still has to make up nearly half of the GDP lost since the start of the pandemic."

He recalled that some schools, pubs, campsites and hairdressers reopened after temporary closure and car sales exceeded pre-pandemic level in July.

"All areas of manufacturing, particularly distillers and car makers, saw improvements, while housebuilding also continued to recover. However, both production and construction remain well below previous levels," he added.

The UK GDP has expanded by 8.7% and 2.4% in May and June on a monthly basis.