Politics is heating up for the summer, but there were at least a few more reasons to hope that underlying inflation pressures may be starting to cool. This is the second weekly wrap of the key points from my social media posts on the UK economy, on the markets, and occasionally on the politics too. … Continue reading Weekly wrap: more heat than light from the politicians
Category: Labour markets
Why Reform’s tax-free overtime plan is a bad idea
Reform’s proposed tax break on overtime is likely to feature prominently in the Makerfield pitch. But it is also yet another example of a policy that is both good politics and terrible economics. The Reform party is proposing that people who earn less than £75,000 and work overtime above a 40-hour week will pay no income tax … Continue reading Why Reform’s tax-free overtime plan is a bad idea
“As good as it gets” (reprise)
The strong growth in UK GDP reported in the first quarter will not be sustained. At best the economy is set to stagnate again in the second quarter, and possibly in the third too. Some good news for a change. The first official estimate for the first quarter confirmed that the UK economy made a flying start … Continue reading “As good as it gets” (reprise)
Rachel Reeves can’t escape blame for this mess
Now, perhaps more than ever, Britain needs a stronger Chancellor The question no longer seems to be whether Keir Starmer will survive, but when and how he will go, and who will succeed him. Even if the Prime Minister clings on for a few more weeks or months, his authority is shot. Either way, the … Continue reading Rachel Reeves can’t escape blame for this mess
Plain-speaking Economics 