Tasos Kitsos comments on the latest ONS release of employment on zero-hours contract. On March 15 2017, ONS released its latest estimate (Oct to Dec 2016) of people employed on contracts that do not guarantee a minimum amount of hours. Ready? Here it is… 905,000 (or 2.8% of those employed). The figure itself may not … Continue reading “Employed worklessness and other oxymora”
What hope for modern democracy after Brexit?
The low turnout at last month’s by-elections tells us a lot about the state of modern democracy. With a turnout of just 38% in Stoke-on-Trent and 51% in Copeland, does this signify a time for change in the system of democracy as we currently know it? The idea that the UK is facing a crisis … Continue reading “What hope for modern democracy after Brexit?”
The problem with women; versus the solution of women
Reflections from Rebecca Riley on the world of work for International Women’s day 2017. As a woman, I find the attitude that women are a problem to be solved frustrating as it sees half of the population as an issue to be dealt with, a generalisation which of course isn’t true. As someone interested in … Continue reading “The problem with women; versus the solution of women”
Budgeting on the Margins? Skills, Business Rates and the Budget
Here, City-REDI’s Professor John Bryson shares his Spring Budget predictions ahead of tomorrow’s announcement. “…There is a major policy tension that needs to be reconciled. On the one hand, there is a strategy to devolve business rates as part of the ‘devolution revolution’. On the other hand, the rise of e-commerce has undermined the basis of much … Continue reading “Budgeting on the Margins? Skills, Business Rates and the Budget”
DevoConnect/City-REDI mayoral hustings: Innovation and Intervention – Igniting the Midlands Engine
Last night @CityREDI hosted the latest in a series of @DevoConnect mayoral hustings at the University of Birmingham’s Business School, chaired by our very own Director, Professor Simon Collinson. A well-attended, stimulating event with some excellent questions it presents an opportune point to reflect on the mayoral process so far and how candidates are shaping … Continue reading “DevoConnect/City-REDI mayoral hustings: Innovation and Intervention – Igniting the Midlands Engine”
Data from the producer perspective: Two days with the ONS
City-REDI’s Tasos Kitsos is back from attending the International Economic Statistics Conference hosted by ONS. Here he provides a round-up of his experience. These are some of my favourite ingredients for a conference; A line-up of great speakers, An audience full of interesting people, A great balance between talking, debating, questioning and breaking up for … Continue reading “Data from the producer perspective: Two days with the ONS”
Urban living – what’s Birmingham’s offer?
Is living in Birmingham so bad? The answer is no according to a recent YouGov survey of Birmingham residents. But what makes the city so ‘liveable’? Here, Dr Rachel Mulhall provides some reflections. Green Space – Perhaps surprising to those who don’t live in the city, residents of Birmingham refer to parks and open spaces as … Continue reading “Urban living – what’s Birmingham’s offer?”
What makes Birmingham the UK’s most investable city?
Birmingham has undergone a huge transformation over the last 10 years as a result of significant growth and investment. Now a prospering and vibrant city, Birmingham is becoming an increasingly appealing place to live, work and invest – offering what is often described as ‘a cosmopolitan lifestyle without the price tag’. But what is it that makes Birmingham … Continue reading “What makes Birmingham the UK’s most investable city?”
Uniting the City – The first challenge for city leadership
The political events of 2016 exposed huge divisions within UK society. Here, City-REDI’s Rebecca Riley speaks of the need for cities to be looking for ways to bring our communities back together again. There are some important lessons to be learnt from the political turmoil of 2016 which exposed a number of major challenges for … Continue reading “Uniting the City – The first challenge for city leadership”
A modern industrial strategy – can it work?
A modern industrial strategy – can it work? The following piece was written by Professor Henry Overman, London School of Economics, and City-REDI’s Max Nathan. Much has already been written on the Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper. This post isn’t intended to provide an overall assessment or spell out our individual views on the approach being … Continue reading “A modern industrial strategy – can it work?”