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…)
Tag: unemployment
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
Schools presentation on fiscal policy
Here the slides from a presentation I gave last week to A-level students of economics at a schools conference in Portsmouth. They include primers on the UK fiscal framework and the bond markets, the importance of confidence and credibility, and a comparison of the fallouts from the fiscal events in September 2022 and October 2024. … Continue reading Schools presentation on fiscal policy
Stalling economy unlikely to sway the Bank of England
On Thursday (19 December), the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will reveal its latest interest rate decision. Those of us hoping that the recent bad economic news will prompt another cut are set to be disappointed. Believe it or not, most forecasters still expect Rachel Reeves’ first Budget to boost the economy in … Continue reading Stalling economy unlikely to sway the Bank of England
Plain-speaking Economics 