Biflation is a term used to describe a period where some prices are rising and some prices are falling. It can appear we have both inflation and deflation at the same time. CPI = Headline inflation rate CPI less food and energy = underlying or core inflation. In the above example, the headline rate is …
Labour shortages occur when employers struggle to fill labour vacancies because of insufficient labour applying for the jobs. Labour shortages can occur in geographical regions or in occupations with special requirements in terms of skill or function. Labour shortages can also be seasonal in industries like retail (Christmas) and agriculture (harvest time). Recently, since Brexit …
There are many costs associated with inflation; the volatility and uncertainty can lead to lower levels of investment and lower economic growth. For individuals, inflation can lead to a fall in the value of their savings and redistribute income in society from savers to lenders and those with assets. At extreme levels, inflation can destabilise …
Readers Questions To what extent is inequality an essential ingredient of capitalism A strict definition of capitalism is a society where capital is privately owned, and workers are paid wages by private firms. Essentially it is a society with minimal government intervention and resources are distributed according to the outcome of free markets. A looser …
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 …
The next 12 months are going to see unprecedented demands on the government budget. It is likely GDP will fall 10-20% – if not more. On its own, this would lead to a surge in government borrowing Fall in income tax receipts as people earn less Fall in VAT and excise duties as people spend …
Excess consumption of sugar is linked to several health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. Consumption of sugar imposes costs on individuals (lower life expectancy) and the rest of society (higher health care costs + lower productivity). A tax on sugar would discourage consumption and raise tax revenue to fund improved health care. …
A tax is a charge levied by a government to raise revenue. The main types of taxes include Income tax – a percentage of income. Corporation tax – a percentage of a firm’s profit. Sales tax/VAT – an indirect tax on the sale of goods. Excise duties – taxes on alcohol, tobacco, petrol. Production taxes …