ONS: Strikes affected UK economy – London Business News | London Wallet

There is “anecdotal evidence” to suggest that industrial action had an impact across a wide range of industries in December, the Office for National Statistics says.

In its December GDP report, the ONS says there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that rail strikes had negatively impacted some businesses.

“Most comments were received from restaurants, caterers, hotels and bars, but other affected units included those engaged in the manufacture of jewellery, the wholesale of food, beauty treatments and the wholesale of wine. Units involved in car hire and in land transport reported an increase in turnover because of the rail strikes.”

There was also anecdotal evidence that postal strikes had negatively impacted some businesses, the statistics body explains:

“The units affected included businesses engaged in financial planning, hospitality, computer repair, and management consulting.

“Other units affected include those involved in the manufacture of metal doors and windows, blankets and jewellery and the wholesale of flowers, watches, garden furniture, computer equipment, optical equipment, motor vehicle parts, and households’ goods.”