This is the 100th edition of the Monitor! The first one was published in late March 2020. At that time, PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) had dropped to 37.1, 1 in 3 businesses had closed due to regulation, Jaguar Land Rover had shut its production plants, and the numbers of calls for business support were increasing … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 6 April 2023”
Author: Anne Green
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 17 March 2023
The West Midlands Combined Authority has a boost of £1.5bn for the “Trailblazer” devolution programme as part of the Budget announcements. The Deeper Devolution Deal plans include greater responsibility for affordable housing provision, public transport with the extension of the Metro between Dudley and Brierley Hill, and the retention of business rates. Budget 2023 Amongst … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 17 March 2023”
Changing Labour Market Participation of People Aged 50 Years and Over
Anne Green looks at the changing economic activity of the over-50s in the UK labour market and what policy implications this creates. This blog is part of a series looking at the UK Labour Market. See also: – Why are the Over-50s Leaving the Workforce?- Labour Market Flows and Future Participation Flows – What Are … Continue reading “Changing Labour Market Participation of People Aged 50 Years and Over”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 March 2023
This week the Prime Minister and the President of the European Commission announced a new agreement – the Windsor Framework – to change the way the Northern Ireland Protocol operates, including by removing checks on goods from Great Britain remaining in Northern Ireland. Inflation in the Euro area is decelerating. Concerns about the impacts of … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 March 2023”
International Migration and the UK Labour Market: Changes and Challenges
Anne Green discusses recent changes to international migration and its impact on the UK labour market. This blog is part of a series looking at the UK Labour Market. See also: – Why are the Over-50s Leaving the Workforce? Labour Market Flows and Future Participation Flows – How do Fertility Rates and Childcare Costs Play … Continue reading “International Migration and the UK Labour Market: Changes and Challenges”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 17 February 2023
Recent international news has been dominated by a huge Turkey-Syria earthquake and by mounting tension between the USA and China regarding the shooting down of a balloon and unidentified flying objects in US airspace. In the UK the Bank of England raised interest rates once again in early February. Inflation is decreasing slightly but remains … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 17 February 2023”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 February 2023
This fortnight the second round of the Levelling Up Fund has been announced causing a significant reaction. We have yet to see the full results of the inquiry into the Levelling Up policy implementation and what it may say about the process. The IMF is still not positive about the UK economy; the forecast has … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 February 2023”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 20 January 2023
This week, we report on the public opinions and social trends survey and the most reported issues continue to be the cost of living (92%), the NHS (85%), the economy (75%), and climate change and the environment (58%). This aligns with the WEF global risks report, and the issues businesses are facing. The Commonwealth Games … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 20 January 2023”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor- 6th January 2023
We are seeing severe unseasonal weather with Europe seeing high temperatures, closing ski resorts and the US seeing temperatures as low as -45C. At home the most important pressures facing the UK are the cost of living (93%), the NHS (81%), the economy (78%), and climate change and the environment (58%). Around 9 in 10 … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor- 6th January 2023”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 25 November 2022
This fortnight we saw another budget announcement, which has highlighted the global and national economic situation post pandemic and makes it difficult to read, we have a full summary of activities and an assessment of some of the implications for the region. PMI is reflecting the low current business confidence, as energy prices rise, and … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 25 November 2022”