Tony Dolphin
Shocking news from the high street
Retail sales fell by 1.4% in May according to Office of National Statistics figures released today, more than reversing the 1.1% increase in April, writes ippr's Tony Dolphin.
Higher cost of basic goods is driving up inflation
Inflation was unchanged in May at 4.5 per cent according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics, reports the ippr's senior economist Tony Dolphin.
Economic update – June 2011
The ippr's senior economist Tony Dolphin looks at the key economic indicators and reviews the state of the UK economy in his latest economic update for Left Foot Forward.
IMF backs Osborne – but warns of risks ahead
The International Monetary Fund today gave its backing to George Osborne’s public spending cuts and tax increases, and also highlighted the significant risks to growth and unemployment.
Strong exports keep the UK economy out of recession
The UK economy grew by 0.5 per cent in the first quarter of the year, according to the second GDP estimate released by the Office for National Statistics today.
Higher inflation should not lead to an increase in interest rates
Consumer price inflation rose more than expected in April, reaching 4.5% - up from 4.0% in March - according to figures released earlier today by the ONS.