UK economy flatlined last quarter revised figures reveal Economics The latest revised figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed the UK economy did not grow in the third quarter of this year. The statistics watchdog had previously said the economy grew 0.1 per cent in the third quarter. However, according to the latest figures, the economy flatlined, leaving the UK with no [...]
Lies, damned lies and statistics: Why we can’t trust numbers anymore Opinion If we are serious about reform and achieving economic growth, we must first ensure that our understanding of our country is underpinned by accurate statistics, says Ben Sweetman There are lies, damned lies and statistics, as the saying goes. But robust and reliable data is the foundation of good governance. If we are to have [...]
New labour force survey could be delayed to 2027 amid falling participation Economics Since the pandemic, the ONS has struggled with falling response rates to its flagship labour force survey (LFS), which has raised questions over the accuracy of its data.
It’s not as easy to count the number of ‘working people’ as you might think November 27, 2024 How many people are employed in the UK today? This is not just a question in a pub quiz for boffins. It is one with important practical implications. Changes in the number of people employed is a key piece of information which the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee takes into account when setting interest [...]
Employer National Insurance hike could risk jobs amid 95,0000 vacancies October 15, 2024 Increasing employers’ national insurance contributions (NICs) could pose a risk to jobs amid some 95,000 vacancies across pubs and restaurants, a hospitality lobby group has warned. Data released from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today revealed there are a “stubbornly high” 95,000 openings across the sector, including in venues, cafes and eateries. Hospitality UK [...]
Tory conference: Hunt warns Labour against ‘catastrophic’ Budget tax hikes September 30, 2024 Jeremy Hunt has warned Labour against making “catastrophic mistakes” in the Budget and hiking up “tax in a way that destroys growth”. The shadow Chancellor issued a stark warning to the government as he spoke at the annual Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. Asked at an in-conversation event on Monday, if things could get worse, [...]
UK growth revised down to 0.5 per cent in second quarter September 30, 2024 Liz McKeown, ONS director of economic statistics, said the updated figures included new survey data, VAT returns and updated information about the size of different industries.
GDP unexpectedly stagnates in July following strong first half of 2024 September 11, 2024 The figures returned the UK to growth after GDP was flat in June and represent a positive start to the second half of the year.
Wage growth slows ‘markedly’ in a boost for the Bank of England September 10, 2024 Strong wage growth has been a concern for policymakers at the Bank of England due to fears that it could keep cost pressures elevated, particularly in the labour-intensive services sector.
UK economy’s recovery from pandemic stronger than first thought August 7, 2024 The UK economy recovered from the pandemic faster than had previously been thought, new revisions from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. In the latest set of Blue Book revisions, the ONS upgraded their estimate for GDP growth in 2022 from 4.3 per cent to 4.8 per cent. This upgrade was a “little larger” [...]