Inequalities and the COVID-19 Crisis

Professor Anne Green examines education, work, health, ethnic and generational inequalities in the West Midlands before and after the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.   Introduction In 2019 the Nuffield Foundation funded a major study, chaired by Sir Angus Deaton, to assemble the evidence on the causes and consequences of different forms of inequalities, and the … Continue reading “Inequalities and the COVID-19 Crisis”

The Impact of Covid-19 on Jobs and Skills in Birmingham

Dr Abigail Taylor discusses the impact of COVID-19 on jobs and skills in Birmingham, an area with large automotive and education sectors and a younger than average population. This blog post has been produced to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2020 is produced by City-REDI / WM REDI, University of … Continue reading “The Impact of Covid-19 on Jobs and Skills in Birmingham”

COVID-19 and the Impact on International Mobility and Migration

In this blog, Professor Anne Green discusses the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions which have led to a marked reduction in international travel and immigration to the UK. It has also disrupted the collection of statistics on international travel and immigration. Across various indicators, there has been a reduction in immigration to the UK. … Continue reading “COVID-19 and the Impact on International Mobility and Migration”

Vaccine Optimism and Global Economic Recovery

News of possible vaccines for the Covid-19 virus has been encouraging, not only for health but also for industry and recovery. But how effective are they likely to be, how will they be distributed, and what will be the likely overall effects for the economy? Dr Deniz Sevinc takes a look at the evidence. November marked … Continue reading “Vaccine Optimism and Global Economic Recovery”

The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Ethnic Minorities in the West Midlands

Dr Deniz Sevinc looks at the disproportionately strong effects of Covid-19 on minority ethnic groups within the West Midlands Region and the struggles they face at work, at home, and in the healthcare system. Covid-19 has exacerbated longstanding inequalities affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups in the UK as mounting evidence suggests that … Continue reading “The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Ethnic Minorities in the West Midlands”

Regional Economic Exposure of COVID-19 Measures: Shutting Down Hospitality and Recreational Activities

Dr Andre Carrascal looks at the impact the latest lockdown measures will have on sectors that have been forced to closed and how this will affect regions around the UK. People in the UK are again facing a national lockdown and, like at the end of March, some sectors are forced to close in order … Continue reading “Regional Economic Exposure of COVID-19 Measures: Shutting Down Hospitality and Recreational Activities”

The Future of Towns and Cities After Coronavirus

Welcome to REDI-Updates. REDI-Updates is a bi-annual publication which will get behind the data and translate it into understandable terms. In this edition, WM REDI staff and guest contributors will discuss some of the key topics when trying to understand the long-term economic impacts of the pandemic. In this article, Rebecca Riley looks at the economic, … Continue reading “The Future of Towns and Cities After Coronavirus”

Civic Universities and Inclusive Local Economic Recovery: How Can Universities Do Even More to Support Regions in Crisis?

On the 30th September, City-REDI / WM REDI and the Civic University Network held an event called “Civic Universities and Inclusive Local Economic Recovery“. The event began with a discussion between Lord Robert Kerslake (Chair of the Civic University Commission) Lord David Willetts (President – Resolution Foundation) and Sarah Davidson (CEO – Carnegie UK Trust). … Continue reading “Civic Universities and Inclusive Local Economic Recovery: How Can Universities Do Even More to Support Regions in Crisis?”

The Impact of COVID-19 on Homelessness

What impact has Coronavirus and the lockdown had on homelessness in the UK? Maryna Ramcharan from the West Midlands Combined Authority discusses a paradigm shift in policy dealing with homelessness but notes that we have still not eradicated it completely.  The eviction ban has been extended until 20 September 2020 On 21 August 2020 government … Continue reading “The Impact of COVID-19 on Homelessness”

A Safe Return to the Classroom and Work in the West Midlands During the COVID-19 Pandemic

What can central and local government do to ensure safe transport to work and school during the COVID-19 pandemic to safeguard the well-being of workers and children? Dr Magda Cepeda Zorrilla looks at the evidence and possible solutions. Getting young people back to school has been set as a priority by the Transport for West Midlands … Continue reading “A Safe Return to the Classroom and Work in the West Midlands During the COVID-19 Pandemic”