The independent pay review bodies are reportedly set to recommend pay increases of around 3pc for NHS staff and 4pc for teachers. However, the Government has only budgeted for a 2.8pc increase for public sector workers. This is broadly in line with expected price rises over the coming year, but still higher than the Bank … Continue reading The Government should hold the line on public sector pay
Tag: news
Is defence spending good for growth?
The right amount to spend on defence should, of course, primarily be a decision based on the benefits to our security. But could more defence spending also be good for growth? The short answer is ‘not necessarily’. The overall impact on the economy will depend on how the additional spending is financed, and on whether … Continue reading Is defence spending good for growth?
No, the Spring Statement was not a ‘return to austerity’
First, the good news. Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement is unlikely to do any significant harm to business or consumer confidence, and it was largely shrugged off by the financial markets. These days that is something at least to cheer. In particular, the Chancellor wisely resisted the siren calls to relax her fiscal rules to finance … Continue reading No, the Spring Statement was not a ‘return to austerity’
10 things to look for in the Spring Statement
Here is a short post on some key points to watch for tomorrow when the Chancellor presents her ‘Spring Statement’ to the UK parliament (at about 12.30). More questions than answers, I’m afraid, but I will follow up once we know more! 1. The immediate outlook for growth. The OBR is widely expected to halve … Continue reading 10 things to look for in the Spring Statement
Plain-speaking Economics 