UK GDP grew by 0.7% in the third quarter of 2026

On 12 November 2026, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published its first estimate of UK GDP for July to September 2026. Real GDP, which adjusts for price changes, rose by 0.7% compared with April to June 2026. Growth was 0.5% in Q2. Real GDP was 1.9% higher than in Q3 2025. The figures are seasonally adjusted and may be revised as more data become available.

Which sectors grew

Services output increased by 0.9% quarter on quarter in Q3; the ONS highlighted business-facing services. Production rose by 0.1%, while construction fell by 0.7%. Within services, administrative and support activities rose by 4.1%, and information and communication rose by 2.1%. Accommodation and food service activities declined by 0.5%. These figures measure changes in sector output, not the revenue or profit of every business.

What the monthly figures show

In its figures published at the same time, the ONS estimated that GDP grew by 0.2% in September 2026 compared with August. August was revised to no growth from a previously reported 0.1% increase; July growth was unchanged at 0.4%. Monthly movements should not be added to the quarterly rate because they use different comparison periods.

What businesses can do

Businesses planning sales, hiring or investment should compare their assumptions with conditions in their own sector and area. Positive national growth does not mean demand rose for every firm. Construction contractors and hospitality businesses may find it particularly useful to review their order pipeline and cash buffer alongside the reported sector declines. These statistics do not change tax rates or filing deadlines and are not a forecast for an individual business. Check later ONS revisions before major decisions: the next quarterly GDP release is scheduled for 22 December 2026.

Official source: ONS first quarterly estimate of UK GDP, July to September 2026.