THE UK economy stagnated over the latest quarter with no growth recorded, according to official figures.
Gross domestic product (GDP) – which measures the value of goods and services produced – showed no growth in the three months from July to September, the Office for National Statistics said.
It came as the statistics body also reported 0.2% growth in the economy for the month of September, amid a boost from the film production, health and education industries.
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Analysts had predicted a 0.2% fall for the quarter and a flat reading for September.
ONS director of economic statistics Darren Morgan said: “The economist is estimated to have shown no growth in the third quarter.
“Services dropped a little with falls in health, management consultancy and commercial property rentals.
“These were partially offset by growth in engineering, car sales and machinery leasing.”
Commenting the SNP's economy spokesperson, Drew Hendry said: "The UK economy has been tanking for years under this Tory government, with poor growth, low productivity, and stagnant wages - showing why Scotland needs independence.
"This decay and decline hasn't happened by chance. It's a direct result of damaging Tory policies like Brexit, austerity cuts and Westminster's failure to invest in the renewable energy gold rush.
"It's clear neither Rishi Sunak (above) or Sir Keir Starmer have the answers to the UK's economic woes - because both are wedded to the same damaging Brexit and austerity policies that got the UK into this mess.
"Independent European countries like Scotland are wealthier and fairer than the UK - so the question is: why not Scotland?"
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