economy
Osborne’s optimism looking less and less plausible
Today’s dire GDP numbers show that the government’s reckless gamble with the economy risks plummeting the UK back in to recession, writes Rachel Reeves.
British economy contracts again
Figures out today showed a contraction in the UK economy, shrinking 0.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2010, reports Shamik Das.
Economic recovery will be spread unevenly
Last year, Centre for Cities reported that the recession had widened the gap between UK cities; today, they warn that the recovery might also play out unevenly.
Balls vows to put “jobs and growth first”
New Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls tonight pledged to put employment and growth at the heart of Labour's alternative plan for the economy, reports Shamik Das.
Labour market deterioriation is now becoming a cause for real concern
Today's labour market statistics are simply bad news, though the monthly unemployment data are slightly more promising - but overall, levels remain high.
China comes bearing gifts for better understanding
As the Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang visits the UK, Sonny Leong, publisher and chair of Chinese for Labour, reports on why Britain needs to work with China.