Here is a presentation I gave on 25th February at a schools conference for A-level economics students... Schools presentation on the productivity puzzle (25th Feb 2020)
Category: Applied economics
What should we do with the fiscal rules?
This may sound like heresy to many economists, not least my former colleagues at the Treasury, but I’m coming around to the view that fiscal rules are overrated. Of course, fiscal credibility is important and must be protected. But fiscal rules are often more of a hindrance than a help. For a start, rules on … Continue reading What should we do with the fiscal rules?
Why zero-hours contracts are a good thing
The news that the number of people working on zero-hours contracts has risen to a new record high has prompted fresh calls for a ban. If you're employed on one of these contracts and like it, tough. How on earth did we come to this? To recap, a 'zero-hours contract' is simply a form of … Continue reading Why zero-hours contracts are a good thing
In defence of GDP
It’s increasingly popular to criticise GDP as a measure of the success of an economy. Indeed, New Zealand’s ‘Wellbeing Budget’ of 2019 was widely praised as a ‘world first’ for its emphasis on a range of other metrics. It wouldn’t surprise me if Rishi Sunak is encouraged to adopt similar language in his first Budget … Continue reading In defence of GDP
Is the ‘Brexit bounce’ the real deal?
Economists are divided on whether there will be a significant boost to the UK economy from a reduction in Brexit uncertainty. I’m optimistic and expect growth to accelerate over the course of 2020 and beyond. Others are not, arguing that the best we can expect is more certainty of a bad outcome. Here’s a summary … Continue reading Is the ‘Brexit bounce’ the real deal?
Has Brexit really already cost us [insert number here]?
Ever since the 2016 referendum, economists have attempted to estimate what Brexit ‘has already cost’ the UK economy and households. It won’t be a surprise to see some of the most depressing numbers dusted off this week to mark the departure from the EU. But all these studies should be taken with a large pinch … Continue reading Has Brexit really already cost us [insert number here]?
The Bank of England should be thinking of raising rates, not cutting them
Almost all the commentary ahead of the Bank of England’s monetary policy meeting at the end of the month has focused on whether interest rates should be cut, or left on hold. In contrast, I would be itching to vote for a hike. There does at least appear to be an emerging consensus that the … Continue reading The Bank of England should be thinking of raising rates, not cutting them
