Readers Question: When a country faces a recession, can they just increase the import taxes? so the country local production is increased to meet the demand and improve employment as well as the economy? It is an interesting question because often policymakers are tempted to pursue this as a strategy to boost domestic demand in …
Different transport modes have a habit of being replaced. The horse and cart lasted uncontested for quite a few centuries. But, in the eighteenth century, the advent of the canal opened up a whole new mechanism for transporting large quantities of goods. It was the canals that helped Britain’s manufacturing base become a world leader. …
Readers Question: What are the factors that influence the fixing of a minimum wage? The UK’s first National Minimum wage was established in 1999 and was set at £3.60 for those over 21. It was feared by business that a minimum wage would cause unemployment. However, over the period between 1999 – 2007, in the …
Readers Question: Should Greece Leave the Euro? Arguments for and against Greece leaving the Euro. One thing is clear, the Greek situation is dire. Government debt is very high, yet extremely harsh austerity measures have only succeeded in pushing the economy back into recession and leading to much higher unemployment. Within the Eurozone, Greece is …
Note: Bicycles left hand side. Cars right hand side Note: Scale on right hand side doesn’t start at 0, therefore drop in spending on cars looks more pronounced than it actually is. 2009 We spent £1.4bn on new bikes and £35bn on cars. [1. Cycle Stats, Cycling Info, ONS] An interesting statistic to show the …
photo Neil Cummings flickr Spending cuts will be an emotive issue, especially for people facing job losses. But, is the TUC correct to say there is an alternative to the government’s spending cuts? (TUC Link) UK annual borrowing (PSNB) is forecast to be £149 2010/11 (12% of GDP). This is one of highest peace time …
News Corporation owned by Rupert Murdoch’s is seeking to take full control of satellite broadcaster BSkyB, by acquiring the 60.9% of the shares it does not already own. It has offered 700p per share, valuing BSkyB at over £12bn. So far BSkyB are trying to resist the takeover. News Corp already owns media channels such …
The coalition expects 490,000 public sector jobs to be lost by 2014-15 as a direct result of its drastic spending cuts, Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, has accidently disclosed. (link to Guardian) In addition the spending cuts, wage freezes and job losses will have a knock on effect to the rest of …