The UK economy flatlined in April, according to early official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said there was zero growth in April compared to the 0.4% figure recorded during March.
A Reuters news agency poll of economists had predicted the 0% performance given earlier evidence that wet weather had knocked retail sales and construction output particularly hard.
The GDP (gross domestic product) report from the ONS – the last to be released ahead of the election – showed UK overall rainfall at 155% of the long-term average in April.
Construction output was found to have declined by 1.4% as a result, also aided by poor demand for construction products in the manufacturing sector.
Production was down by 0.9%, the ONS said, while the mighty services sector – accounting for almost 80% of UK output – grew by just 0.2%.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
