UK unemployment rates since 1881. This shows the fluctuations in unemployment over the past 100 years in the UK. Measuring unemployment is not a precise science. This data mostly relies on administrative statistics on the number claiming some kind of unemployment insurance. The government is changing how unemployment is measured. You can view the pdf …
The fundamental economic problem is the issue of scarcity but unlimited wants. Scarcity implies there is only a limited quantity of resources, e.g. finite fossil fuels. Because of scarcity, there is a constant opportunity cost – if you use resources to consume one good, you cannot consume another. Therefore, an underlying feature of economics is …
Readers Question: Identify and explain economic variables that may be affected positively by the economic slowdown. A recession is a period of negative economic growth. It is a period of higher unemployment, falling wages and higher government borrowing. It generally causes economic costs But does anyone benefit from a recession? Some people who may do …
Definition: The fiscal stance of a government refers to how its level of spending and taxation impact on aggregate demand and economic growth. Higher taxes and a budget surplus is seen as fiscal consolidation or deflationary stance. A budget deficit has an expansionary impact. A fiscal stance can be expansionary, neutral or deflationary. Expansionary stance: …
Government intervene in labour markets to overcome market failure, protect workers health and safety and to reduce inequality. Government labour market regulations include. Maximum working weeks Statutory minimum wages Legislation to prohibit discrimination Protection against unfair dismissal. Health and safety legislation Right to join trade unions Legislation to auto-enroll workers in private pensions Regulations about …
Food prices are typically fairly stable in a recession. If the recession is very deep and it leads to a period of deflation (fall in the general price level) then food prices may fall by a similar amount. US Deflation 1929-33 For example, in the great depression (1929-33), we saw a prolonged fall in prices. …
In a recession, you would usually expect a fall in the inflation rate due to lower demand and lower economic activity. The inflation rate fell in major recessions like 1929-32, 1981, 1991 and 2020.. However, it is not guaranteed inflation will fall in recession. For example, we could have a period of stagflation – rising …
Readers Question: I only have $10,000 in my bank. With this virus situation, what is going to happen to the value of my money? Serious question. Do I try to exchange my money to another foreign country currency? Help, please. I am 68 years old, no pension and no job. George Firstly, I would not …