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UK GDP fell in the first quarter by more than estimated initially
The Office for National Statistics says that UK gross domestic product (GDP) decreased in volume terms by 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2012, revised from a previously estimated decline of 0.2 per cent.
Services industries grew overall but financial services output fell by 0.3 per cent in the quarter compared to a fall of 0.1 per cent in the final quarter of 2011.
The figures suggest the economy fared worse in the first quarter of the year than expected although some sectors were more resilient than others.
In terms of specific business sectors, ONS "second estimate" statistics show:
• Output of the production industries fell by 0.4 per cent, within which manufacturing output was flat
• Output of the service industries rose by 0.1 per cent, while output of the construction industry fell by 4.8 per cent
• Household final consumption expenditure increased by 0.1 per cent in volume terms in the latest quarter
• In current price terms, compensation of employees was unchanged in the first quarter of 2012
ONS says that manufacturing output was flat in the first quarter of 2012. This compares with a decrease of 0.7 per cent in the previous quarter.
Construction output decreased by 4.8 per cent in 2012 the quarter one. This compares with a decrease of 0.2 per cent in 2011 quarter four.
Services output increased by 0.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2012 compared with a decrease of 0.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Output of the distribution, hotels and restaurants industries rose by 0.5 per cent in 2012 quarter one compared with a decrease of 0.4 per cent in 2011 quarter four. This was driven by strength in both wholesale, retail and repair of motor vehicles and retail trade except of motor vehicles.
Output of the transport, storage and communication industries rose by 0.7 per cent in 2012 quarter one, compared with a decrease of 0.5 per cent in 2011 quarter four. This increase was mainly driven by computer programming, consultancy and related activites.
Output of the business services and finance industries fell by 0.3 per cent in 2012 quarter one, compared with a decrease of 0.1 per cent in 2011 quarter four. The main drivers behind the fall in 2012 quarter one were financial services and other professional, scientific and technical activites and accounting, book-keeping & auditing.
Output of government and other services rose by 0.2 per cent in 2012 quarter one, following an increase of 0.4 per cent in 2011 quarter four. The main driver behind the growth in 2012 quarter one was an increase in human health-related activities.