GDP grew by 0.8 per cent in May as UK recovery continued and lockdown eased - but pace slowed and economy is still 3.1 per cent smaller than before Covid hit By James Tapsfield, Political Editor For Mailonline Published: 07:12 BST, 9 July 2021 | Updated: 07:15 BST, 9 July 2021 Viewcomments The economy grew by 0.8 per cent in May as lockdown eased and the UK recovery continued - but the pace slowed. GDP was up for the fourth month running as pubs and restaurants were able to reopen indoors. However, the figure was much lower than for April, and below the expectation of many experts as the Indian - or Delta - variant inflicted more uncertainty. UK plc is still around 3.1 per cent smaller than in February 2020 before the pandemic started to wreak havoc. The ONS Deputy National Statistician for Economic Statistics Jonathan Athow said: 'The economy grew for the fourth consecutive month, albeit at a slower pace than seen recently, but remains around three percent below its pre-pandemic peak. 'Pubs and restaurants, who were again able to welcome indoor guests, were responsible for the vast majority of the growth seen in May. Hotels also saw a marked recovery as restrictions lifted.' GDP was up for the fourth month running in May as pubs and restaurants were able to reopen indoors The service sector grew by 0.9 per cent in May, but the most striking figure was for accommodation and food service activities - which were up 37.1 per cent as restaurants and pubs welcomed customers back indoors. The construction sector contracted for a second consecutive month by 0.8 per cent - but it was still 0.3 per cent above its pre-pandemic level. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility