ONS Economic Forum on 20 July to cover UK economy, AI and family spending

The Office for National Statistics has announced its next Economic Forum will feature presentations on the state of the UK economy, AI in UK businesses, and family spending in the UK.

The ONS is holding its next Economic Forum on 20 July, with three named presentations covering the state of the UK economy, AI adoption in UK businesses, and family spending patterns. As the figures show GDP grew by 0.6 per cent in Q1 2026, CPI inflation sat at 2.8 per cent in May 2026, and unemployment stood at 4.9 per cent in April 2026 — a snapshot that gives the forum’s agenda an immediate backdrop.

Average earnings growth was 4.4 per cent in April 2026, compared with CPI inflation of 2.8 per cent, meaning real wages are — on paper — still rising. Whether the forum’s family spending presentation reflects that in household behaviour is unclear.

For Kent businesses and households, the forum’s topics aren’t abstract. Firms weighing up investment in AI tools, or trying to read where consumer spending is heading, may find the ONS analysis useful when making staffing and pricing decisions. Local councils and business groups across the county often draw on ONS data to build a picture of regional economic conditions, though the announcement makes no mention of any Kent-specific release.

It’s worth being clear about what the forum is and isn’t. The ONS presents it as a platform to share current economic and social analysis — not to announce policy. Some of the underlying data, including the Business Insights and Conditions Survey collected fortnightly on a voluntary basis, carries a status of official statistics in development rather than fully designated National Statistics.

The ONS has used earlier 2026 forum sessions to discuss UK GDP growth, inflation, and the business impact of tariffs. The 20 July event continues that pattern.