The latest experimental data, released on 25 June 2026, paints a mixed picture of the UK's economic activity. This real-time snapshot, drawn from rapid response surveys and novel data sources, offers early insights into various facets of the economy, including trade, energy, consumer behaviour, and the labour market.
Notably, weekly shipping indicators are currently showing a 7% increase in ship visits to selected UK ports, suggesting an uptick in trade flows. Meanwhile, estimated automotive fuel demand per average transaction has dropped by 3.2%, potentially indicating reduced business and consumer travel. Both sets of figures remain classified as official statistics in development.
The energy sector is facing pressure, with the System Price of electricity in Great Britain averaging £55.41 per megawatt hour over the past seven days – a 12% increase on the same period last year. The System Average Price (SAP) of gas has risen by 9.5%, reaching an average of £43.21 per therm. These fluctuations will likely impact household bills and business operational expenses.
Consumer activity is being monitored through various channels, with VAT flash estimate turnover diffusion indices showing a 2.1% increase in business sales over the past quarter. Weekly and monthly Revolut debit card transaction data indicate a 4.8% rise in consumer spending across the UK, while retail footfall has declined by 5.5%, with regional variations evident.
The labour market and property sector are also being closely watched. Advanced notifications of potential redundancies have increased by 15.6% over the past week, potentially signifying a shift in employment trends. In contrast, the weekly number of Energy Performance Building Certificates (EPCs) issued for new and existing domestic properties in England and Wales has risen by 12.8%, suggesting growing interest in housing activity and energy efficiency improvements.
Daily UK flight numbers have been steady, with an average of 2,351 flights taking off from UK airports per day over the past seven days – a 1.3% decrease on the same period last year. This mixed picture underscores the need for ongoing monitoring of these real-time indicators to gauge the trajectory of the UK economy.