Productivity shot in the arm for economy

PRODUCTIVITY in the UK rebounded in the second quarter after a weak start to the year – but remained below its pre-crisis average.

Output-per-hour grew by 1.4pc in April to June compared with the same period a year ago, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Against the first quarter, output rose 0.5pc, providing a welcome boost after a drop of 0.6pc in January to March.

Workers clocked in for fewer hours in the second quarter, but output growth was stronger.

This was the third improvement in the past four quarters, with the result that annual performance was at its best since the fourth quarter of 2016.

Economists said the data was positive but that productivity was unlikely to return to the precrisis average growth of 2pc.