UK GDP rises 0.1% in May as services offset industrial and construction declines

UK GDP grew 0.1% in May, recovering from April's 0.1% contraction, per ONS data released 16 July. Services — about 80% of UK output — rose 0.3%, while production fell 0.5% and construction dropped 0.8%. Scientific R&D jumped 5.1%. Three-month growth eased to 0.7% from 0.8%. The economy expanded, but barely, and on narrow shoulders.