Inflation adds to the UK’s economic worries
News that UK inflation (as measured by the consumer prices index) eased back to 3.2 per cent in June, from 3.4 per cent in May, merits only the smallest of cheers.
Tony Dolphin
Who will buy our exports?
George Osborne’s first budget has sparked a heated debate about its effect on jobs. The Government and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) believe private sector employment will increase rapidly enough to bring about a significant reduction in unemployment over the next five years, despite the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the public sector.
Economic update – July 2010
George Osborne delivered his first budget on June 22nd, describing it as ‘unavoidable’, ‘fair’ and ‘progressive’. In fact, it was none of these. An ‘emergency’ budget was not needed, whether to calm financial markets or for any other reason.
Tax increases must play a greater role in deficit reduction
A truly progressive government would give a bigger role to increasing taxes than was suggested in either the Conservative or Liberal Democrat manifestos.
Economic update – June 2010
The election resulted in the formation of a coalition govt but the feared collapse in sterling or the bond market under such a scenario did not take place.
Osborne’s fiscal policy risks stalling recovery
The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, received a letter from the Governor of the Bank of England today, explaining the latest rise in inflation.
Economic recovery could be gathering momentum
The UK’s economic recovery looks to be gathering some momentum – in the manufacturing sector at least.
Vote 2010: The economy
The economy has been at the heart of the general election campaign, with Gordon Brown taking every opportunity to emphasise the need to support jobs.
Economic update – May 2010
The UK economy has emerged from recession but economic growth remains weak. Tony Dolphin gives his monthly outlook on output, unemployment, and inflation.
UK’s emergence from recession confirmed
Official figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show UK GDP increased by 0.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2010.