The Chancellor’s Spring Statement sent a signal of “steady as she goes”. Unfortunately, what was really needed is a change of course. There was plenty of party political knockabout, but no major policy announcements and nothing to lift the spirits of consumers or businesses. This might have been fine if all were well. But there is little … Continue reading Spring Statement was yet another missed opportunity
Tag: National Minimum Wage
Four insights on the latest UK labour data (warning! contains nuance…)
Many people will read whatever they like into today’s new data on the labour market without bothering to look past the headlines. And to be fair, those raising concerns about the recent trends in unemployment and in pay are right to do so. Nonetheless, the underlying picture is a little more nuanced. Here are four key points … Continue reading Four insights on the latest UK labour data (warning! contains nuance…)
The Government should rethink its plans for the National Living Wage
The Times is reporting today (Saturday) that the Chancellor is likely to confirm a rise in the National Living Wage (NLW) of about 4%, from £12.21 to at least £12.70, in next month’s Budget. She will also recommit to extending the full living wage to young people between the ages of 18 and 21 (where a lower … Continue reading The Government should rethink its plans for the National Living Wage
Labour’s first year report – ‘tries hard, but results still poor’
One year on, the Labour government elected in July 2024 is claiming three big wins on the economy. Unfortunately, these are little to shout about. The first is the large increases in the National Minimum Wage (NMW). This simply maintained the last government's policy of raising the full NMW to two-thirds of median earnings and extending it … Continue reading Labour’s first year report – ‘tries hard, but results still poor’
Plain-speaking Economics 