UK economy grew less than thought in spring

UK economic growth between April and June was less than previously estimated, according to official figures.

Gross domestic product (GDP) – which measures all the economic activity of companies, governments and people in a country – rose by 0.5%, down from an initial reading of 0.6%.

The manufacturing and construction sectors fell by more than first thought.

The data has emerged as the Labour government, which has made economic growth one of its key policies, prepares to announce its first Budget in four weeks’ time.