UK economy shrank by 0.1% in April

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The UK’s economy contracted by 0.1% in April, the latest official data has shown.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the fall was driven by a decline in output from the key services sector, which was partially offset by a rise in construction.

A slight contraction for April had been predicted by analysts, after the economy saw stronger than expected growth in March as people brought forward spending due to concerns about the war in the Middle East.

In the three months to April, the ONS said the economy grew by 0.7% compared with the previous three month period.