Prior to the pandemic, a clear negative relationship existed between vacancies and unemployment. The experience of 2020 challenged this relationship and seemed to indicate labour market inefficiencies.
Chart of the Week
The turn of the year brought a rapid reduction in NEETs relative to general unemployment. Higher education has had a significant impact on this figure. Whilst employment in 16-24 year olds seems to play a part, a broader assessment presents concerning conclusions.
Chart of the Week
Tax receipts were pummelled due to lower economic activity associated with the COVID pandemic. This chart highlights the development of notable duties that together help to highlight the effect of the pandemic on government income. Use the interactive chart to focus on specific duties.
On the state of UK Business Closures
13.5% of all UK businesses have temporarily closed or paused trading, during the lockdown, with 86.4% of workers in these businesses on furlough.
Covid 19, Alcohol Use and Mental Health
Pre-pandemic research found heightened risk from working under certain conditions such as in isolation away from friends and family; extended or shift-pattern working hours, in dangerous environments, under inadequate supervision or at risk from organisational change (restructure/redundancy)- a list that makes clear what may be driving this Covid related increase in consumption.
Exiting the Lockdown: The Range of Impact on GVA by Sector
It is imperative that the public are informed in a cogent, digestible and evidence-based manner on how best to limit new infections as the economy begins to get back on track. In the absence of clear, authoritative information that