UK economy grew slightly in May, but only because services picked up

The UK economy grew 0.1% in May, bouncing back from a 0.1% dip in April, according to figures out 16 July. Services — shops, banks, and the like, making up about 80% of the economy — rose 0.3%. Factories fell 0.5% and construction dropped 0.8%. Scientific research surged 5.1%. Growth over three months slowed to 0.7% from 0.8%.