Will Rossiter, Anne Green and Rebecca Riley discuss new research that identifies a number of challenges for the upcoming Levelling Up White Paper. Recent research from City-REDI/ WMREDI at the University of Birmingham and Nottingham Business School at Nottingham Trent University on the geography and functioning of places and the institutions, practice and policies associated … Continue reading “Four propositions for the Much-Anticipated Levelling Up White Paper”
Tag: COVID-19
West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 25th June 2021
This week’s Monitor shows how, generally, the world economy is picking up with pent up demand starting to be released as countries unlock. However, in the UK this week there are stark warnings about the food and drink industry facing labour shortages, especially in fresh food and haulage. This is mainly due to the impact … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 25th June 2021”
West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 11th June 2021
This week’s monitor looks at the delayed GVA statistics for 2019, where the region’s growth was lower than expected. Many indicators and surveys are pointing to an emerging recovery, but it is highly dependent on the opening up of the cities and high streets. Published research is turning to the opening up of cities and … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 11th June 2021”
West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 28th May 2021
This week ONS released the latest GVA (for 2018-2019): the UK average was 3.5% GVA growth. WMCA GVA grew by 1.99% to £106.7bn in 2019, which is lower than expected for that year by many forecasters (Oxford Economics had forecast £110.8bn and are currently revising their forecasts). The Black Country grew by 1.29% to £22.3bn … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 28th May 2021”
The Future of UK Employment in a Post-Pandemic World
Dr Abigail Taylor and Ben Harrison analyse the impact of the COVID-19 on employment to date before discussing what the future might hold. It also introduces the Social Policy Association’s ‘Employment Policy in Context’ group, explaining the group’s aims, plans for the coming year and how to get involved. This blog was first posted on … Continue reading “The Future of UK Employment in a Post-Pandemic World”
West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 14th May 2021
This week we welcome Andy Street back as Mayor. Following the easing of restrictions, signs of recovery and opening up may signal a new positive phase in the pandemic. We are also pleased to let readers know that the WMCA approach through the Monitor and the State of the Region has received recognition from the … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 14th May 2021”
Active Labour Market Policy in a Post-Covid UK: Moving Beyond a ‘Work First’ Approach
On the 21st of April, City-REDI in conjunction with the Social Policy Association’s Employment Policy in Context policy group presented a webinar featuring Dr Katy Jones from the Centre for Decent Work and Productivity at Manchester Metropolitan University. The seminar, which explored “Active labour market policy in a post-Covid UK: Moving Beyond a ‘Work First’ … Continue reading “Active Labour Market Policy in a Post-Covid UK: Moving Beyond a ‘Work First’ Approach”
West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 30th April 2021
Following the easing of lockdown key indicators are showing the start of a return to normal. Footfall statistics indicate that people are more comfortable with leaving home, but the majority of people still feel the pandemic is having a worrying effect on their lives. The latest skills data shows a significant improvement; however, this should … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 30th April 2021”
Covid-19 and Business: Has Government Support Worked?
Alice Pugh looks at the impact of lockdown on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), what support they’ve received and how they have fared compared to their larger counterparts. Covid-19 has created significant shocks throughout the business base. In the first wave, 47% of all UK industries reported that their turnover had been lower than normal … Continue reading “Covid-19 and Business: Has Government Support Worked?”
West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 26th March 2021
This week, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that productivity grew at the fastest rate on record in the middle of 2020 when compared with the quarter before, but this fell away again in the last three months of the year. This was mainly because the least productive industries were those hardest hit by … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 26th March 2021”