The Rise in Economic Activity Due to Long-Term Health Issues

Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health, Birmingham City Council discusses how retention of staff is key to the health and wealth of Birmingham and the wider region, as well as business.  This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023.  The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University … Continue reading “The Rise in Economic Activity Due to Long-Term Health Issues”

REDI-Updates: How Does the Cost-Of-Living Crisis Impact People’s Health and Well-Being?

The latest edition of REDI-Updates is out now – providing expert data insights and clear policy guidance. In this edition, the WMREDI team investigates what factors are contributing to the cost-of-living crisis and the impact it is having on households, businesses, public services and the third sector. We also look at how the crisis in … Continue reading “REDI-Updates: How Does the Cost-Of-Living Crisis Impact People’s Health and Well-Being?”

Are E-Scooters a Solution or a Hazard?

Dr Magda Cepeda-Zorrilla discusses the return of e-scooters to Birmingham. Can they help to replace short vehicle trips? Or are they a danger to pedestians and other road users? This blog was first posted on the Birmingham Business School blog. In this blog, I write about the return of e-scooters to Birmingham with a new … Continue reading “Are E-Scooters a Solution or a Hazard?”

Reflections on an Academic’s Secondment to the Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Donald Houston discusses his recent secondment at the ONS. What did he learn whilst he was there and what did the ONS gain from having an academic on board? I am a labour market researcher and a long-time user of ONS data.  I have always been impressed at the quality and precision of the labelling … Continue reading “Reflections on an Academic’s Secondment to the Office for National Statistics (ONS)”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 9th June 2023

Despite some bright spots of recovery in the nation and West Midlands, the forecast remains turbulent for the UK economy. Perhaps the biggest news is inflation: despite falls in inflation over the period since the previous monitor, the base rate is now at 4.5% and the hopes of easing interest rates in the medium term … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 9th June 2023”

Working with Long Covid, The Case for Better Evidence and Knowledge in the Workplace

A new report from the TUC and the charity Long Covid Support reveals as many as two-thirds of UK workers with long Covid have faced unfair treatment. Based on the work of City-REDI and her own personal experience, Rebecca Riley reflects on their findings and reccomendations. This blog was originally posted on the College for Social … Continue reading “Working with Long Covid, The Case for Better Evidence and Knowledge in the Workplace”

From Health Crisis to an Innovation-led Recovery: What Role for Universities?

On 2nd February, City-REDI held its first hybrid seminar with Tomas Ulrichsen, Director of the Policy Evidence Unit for University Commercialisation and Innovation (UCI) at the University of Cambridge. You can watch the video from the event below. Health Crisis to an Innovation-Led Recovery This seminar introduces the Research England-funded Policy Evidence Unit for University … Continue reading “From Health Crisis to an Innovation-led Recovery: What Role for Universities?”

Megatrends and the West Midlands: Health and Urban Greenspace

Urban greenspace typically refers to public parks, street verges, and sports grounds owned by the local council. Ros McDermott argues that urban greenspace is a resource for health, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) should ensure equitable access to these spaces with a particular focus on people hit hardest by the pandemic. This article … Continue reading “Megatrends and the West Midlands: Health and Urban Greenspace”

Birmingham Clean Air Zone: Objectives, Challenges and Opportunities

Dr Magda Cepeda Zorrilla discusses the health reasons for implementing clean air zones, the high levels of air pollution in the West Midlands and the Birmingham Clean Air Zone. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2021. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham … Continue reading “Birmingham Clean Air Zone: Objectives, Challenges and Opportunities”

Tackling Covid-19 in Birmingham

Dr Justin Varney discusses how community engagement, partnership working and communication allowed Birmingham to tackle the challenges thrown up by Covid-19.  This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2021. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is … Continue reading “Tackling Covid-19 in Birmingham”