Key Statistics: 23 June 2015

Construction

• Employment in the construction industry rose by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 Q4 and by 1.3% compared to a year earlier. For a more detailed analysis of the statistics see this week’s lead story.

Economy

• Rising income tax and national insurance receipts boosted the public finances in May. Public sector net borrowing was £10.1 billion during the month, a drop of 18% compared to the £12.4 billion in May 2014. April also recorded a drop in borrowing relative to a year earlier.
• UK Retail sales growth slowed in May, rising by 0.2% compared to the previous month after a strong 0.9% rise in April. The early hot weather affected the figures, with earlier than usual summer clothing purchases having boosted sales in April, before falling in May.