UK Economy Remains Steady Despite Heatwave and World Cup

The UK's economic growth has remained unchanged at 0.4% for the three months to July, according to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This figure is identical to the previous quarter and a surprise to economists who had predicted slower activity.

The ONS attributed the growth to the services sector, which expanded by 0.6% during this period. However, production and construction both fell by 0.5% as workers took time off to watch football matches and avoid the heatwave.

Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the ONS, said growth remained 'relatively robust' due to ongoing strength in services. Computer programming was a significant contributor to this growth, with evidence that businesses involved in AI and related technologies boosted the sector.