West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 16th October 2020

This week infections continue to rise globally. Rates are surging in countless countries across the globe, with cases in Europe accelerating notably. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced bars and pubs will be closed in the worst-hit parts of England in order to suppress the spread of the virus. Chris Witty, the Chief Medical … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 16th October 2020”

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?”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 9th October 2020

This week cases continue to rise in the UK and death rates associated with covid19 are now also on the rise. Significant outbreaks are happening in the North West but as yet the West Midlands is not seeing the same increases. However business sentiment after a stronger summer, as reported regionally by business representative organisations, … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 9th October 2020”

City-REDI / WM REDI Round Up – September 2020

Events On the 23rd of September, Professor Raquel Ortega-Argiles took part in “Brexit and Manufacturing” session of the Centre for Brexit Studies Annual Meeting. On the 30th September, City-REDI / WM REDI and the Civic University Network held a webinar “Civic Universities and Inclusive Local Economic Recovery”. The event featured Lord Robert Kerslake, Lord David Willetts … Continue reading “City-REDI / WM REDI Round Up – September 2020”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 2nd October 2020

This week, the ONS published a review of the last 6 months, and the effect the pandemic has had on people. As time has gone on more people believe it will be more than a year before life returns to normal, the lockdown has raised anxiety and it remains above the levels pre-COVID, but happiness … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 2nd October 2020”

Homeworking and the Return to the Office – Part Two

In the second part of a blog looking at home working and the return to the office, Professor Anne Green and Rebecca Riley look at the motivation to return to work, how homeworking is impacting on inequality and what the future might mean for home working.  View part one.   Motivation to return to offices Cities … Continue reading “Homeworking and the Return to the Office – Part Two”

Homeworking and the Return to the Office – Part One

In the first part of a blog looking at home working and the return to the office, Professor Anne Green and Rebecca Riley look at what kind of workers are homeworking, regional differences around the UK, what the situation is in the West Midlands and whether home working impacts on productivity.  Part two looks at … Continue reading “Homeworking and the Return to the Office – Part One”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 25th September 2020

This week, rising infection rates have led to increased restrictions across the UK, bringing most places into line and increasing some restrictions in locked-down areas. The Prime Minister hinted at this being a medium-term (6 months) approach to bring the virus under control. Key issues Regional representative organisations say there are still lots of issues … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 25th September 2020”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 18th September 2020

This week, Coronavirus cases are rising and new regulations have been introduced to stop the spread of the virus, schools have returned but many are suffering temporary closures and universities are also opening. There has been significant disruption to testing nationally and the rise in cases has hampered the return to offices. Unemployment and claimant … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 18th September 2020”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 11th September 2020

This week, further restrictions have been introduced nationally after sharp rises in infection rates, these include gatherings of no more than 6, and similar to places already in lockdown households cannot mix and there are stricter rules for venues. This is due to the pattern of infections being driven by socialising. Work and education are … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 11th September 2020”