Increased use of AI helped the UK economy grow by 0.4 per cent in July, official figures show, in an unexpected boost for Andy Burnham.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released the latest gross domestic product (GDP) data, which was up from a 0.3 per cent growth rate in June.
It marks a surprise uplift after economists were expecting the economy to show zero growth for the month.
The ONS said the services sector drove growth in July, with output increasing by 4 per cent, and computer programming making the largest contribution.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and related technology has helped to boost the sector over the past three months, according to the ONS.
ONS director of economics statistics Liz McKeown said: “Separately, as in June, some businesses reported that the warm weather and FIFA World Cup had affected their activity, although effects differed across industries, benefitting some businesses while creating challenges for others.”
It comes after Chancellor John Healey insisted that there was an “optimistic story” about the UK economy that was “turning a corner”.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the growth was “good news”, but said the government will not be “complacent”.
“It is good news that the economy grew in July, and let’s be honest, it has been against a very difficult and very challenging international backdrop,” she said.
“We must remember, though, that a lot of countries are experiencing difficult times at the moment. We have the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in the first half of this year.”
She added: “So we’re not going to be in any way complacent about this, we do need to work with local leaders to drive that growth in every postcode.”
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