Category
In the News
UK government signals yet another cut in stamp duty
We have been here many times before. The government seems to think that cutting stamp duty will act as a stimulant to the housing market that will feed an expansion of new building and a...
Netherlands raises their minimum wage by 10%
To help combat the risk of more than a million Dutch families falling into poverty because of rising prices, the government in the Netherlands has announced a 10% rise in their minimum wage.
UK Economy - Taxes and Investment and what future for Four-Day Working Weeks?
Here is a short round up of some important coverage of topical issues in the press over the last few days.
The Slumping Pound - Why Does it Matter?
The external value of sterling against the US dollar has fallen to the lowest level since 1985. £1 now buys only $1.14 in the currency markets. The pound has fallen nearly 22 per cent during 2022.
Debt Relief - Lenders urged to cancel Zambia debt
Much like Sri Lanka has had a well-publicised economic crisis, Zambia too seems to be on the brink of economic collapse and there are calls for international lenders to write-off some of their loans.
Economics Weekly Quiz | 16 September 2022
Here's our weekly economics news quiz.
UK inflation and interest rates - a quick update
The latest inflation figures suggest a slight dip in inflation - to 9.9% - but rising costs are eating into household budgets.
FDI into India - Foxconn and Vedanta to build $19bn India chip factory
Here is a good example for your globalisation / development notes. Taiwanese giant Foxconn and Indian mining company, Vedanta, has agreed a joint venture to build a semi-conductor plant in India,...
UK house prices climbing towards an average of £300,000
Average house prices increased 15.5% over the year to July 2022. This is the highest annual inflation rate the UK has seen since May 2003. The average house price in the UK is £292,000.
Retail Competition - Aldi becomes 4th largest UK supermarket
July 2022 marked an important moment for the UK retail grocery industry. The German discount chain Aldi has overtaken Morrisons to become the 4th largest supermarket by market share.
UK Economy - Unemployment rate falls to lowest level since 1974
The UK unemployment rate has fallen to 3.6% of the labour force. This is the lowest recorded unemployment since 1974.
Price Mechanism in Action - London Hotel Prices Soar!
The Guardian reports that hotel prices are rising very quickly in the run up to the Queen’s state funeral. This is an excellent example of the price mechanism in action.
Business Objectives - Will British Gas cap profits to cut energy bills?
This news from British Gas might prompt classroom debate about the theory of the firm, and the objectives of a business.
Economics Weekly Quiz | 09 September 2022
Here's our weekly economics news quiz.
Exchange rates - Pound falls to lowest level against dollar since 1985
The day's big economic story is about the pound falling to its lowest level against the dollar for nearly 40 years, and you need to think about the macroeconomic implications of this - they aren't...
Labour Market - More minority ethnic than white workers paid below UK real living wage
Evidence of discrimination in the labour market? The Living Wage Foundation data reported here would imply this - although a lot of the data is anecdotal.
Cost of Living Crisis - Boots debuts 'Everyday' budget essentials range
Boots is launching a budget range, with everything priced below £1.50. It is a good applied example of how businesses adapt to the prevailing economic climate real incomes falling and recessionary...
UK government attempts to defend their record on sewage discharges
This article from The Guardian looks at the failure of water companies to tackle the issue of sewage discharges into the UK's oceans, and touches on a range of issues, most obviously the negative...
Scotland introduces rail and rent freeze
The powers of the devolved Scottish government are limited, but here is an example of additional forms of government intervention to help offset the cost of living crisis.
Should energy profits be subject to a tax raid?
Alex Lawson looks at the case for the government imposing a windfall tax on the UK energy companies, which seems increasingly likely, given the proposed freeze on energy bills that seems to be in...