The UK economy grew by 0.7% in the third quarter of 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics’ first estimate published on Thursday. GDP had increased by 0.5% in the second quarter.

Services output rose by 0.9% over the quarter, while production increased by 0.1%. Construction output fell by 0.7%, the ONS said. Gross domestic product per person grew by 0.7% compared with the previous quarter.

Growth was uneven across sectors

The figures show an economy expanding overall but with contrasting performances across major industries. Services provided the strongest contribution among the sectors reported, while construction contracted.

The ONS describes this release as an early estimate. It is based on a more limited set of information than later quarterly GDP publications and may be revised as additional data becomes available.

The 0.7% headline therefore offers an initial picture of activity from July to September, not a final account. Subsequent estimates will provide a fuller breakdown and may alter the measured pace of growth.