Economics Observatory | Questions and answers about coronavirus and the UK economy

New Post • Schools, universities & training

How might changes in student visa provision affect UK immigration levels?

Net migration to the UK has reached record highs. International students are included in the immigration statistics and the government has implied it may seek to limit their future numbers. More research is needed to design effective policies on student visas and post-study work rights.

Data Hub

Live and interactive charts and visualisations, making sense of the latest numbers

Crime & policing

How did levels of UK hate crime change during and after Covid-19?

Levels of ethnic, racial and sexual harassment in the UK declined during the pandemic. This was largely driven by the reduction of time that people spent in public places due to lockdowns and other social restrictions.

Schools, universities & training

Generation Covid: how is the pandemic affecting the young?

The past year has been one of the most volatile periods of education policy in history. It is proving costly for every age group of young people: from pre-school through to further and higher education, and those starting out in their careers.

Banks & financial markets

Will the Edinburgh Reforms help to boost UK consumer spending?

In late 2022, the Chancellor announced a package of regulatory initiatives for the UK’s financial sector. How the so-called Edinburgh Reforms will affect consumer spending – and the country’s economic performance more broadly – is uncertain. But a ‘turbocharging’ of economic growth seems unlikely.

News

The next chapter

The Economics Observatory has been awarded funding for a further two years. Plans are already in place for new collaborations with colleagues from central government, the devolved nations, and the regions of the UK. The Data Hub is going to grow, and there are plenty of events in the diary already.

Schools, universities & training

How has Covid-19 affected inequalities between state and private schools?

Covid-19 caused significant and widespread disruption to young people’s education. But the effects were not the same for everyone. Many pre-existing inequalities have been exacerbated, including those between state schools and independent schools.

Schools, universities & training

How can education and skills contribute to levelling up?

Education and skills contribute to differences in earnings and opportunities across generations, both at the national level and between local authorities in England. Targeted policies can help to reduce the gaps between individuals and contribute to efforts to level up the UK economy.

Schools, universities & training

How might teacher shortages be reduced?

Shortages of school teachers – caused by a long-term decline in the competitiveness of their pay as well as challenging working conditions – are a global concern. Effective policy interventions could include targeted pay supplements and encouraging more supportive leadership practices in education.

Energy & climate change

Levies on energy profits: can they solve the UK’s cost of living crisis?

The prospect of windfall taxes on the profits of oil and gas companies has gained support from the British public. But they are unlikely to solve the cost of living crisis alone, even after the recent expansion announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Energy & climate change

How can home energy efficiency improvements help us reach net zero?

Improving residential energy efficiency can be a cost-effective way to tackle the current energy crisis, increase energy security and mitigate climate change. Significant variations in the efficiency of homes across the country raise the question of how retrofitting should be implemented to maximise impact.

Schools, universities & training

US student debt forgiveness: should the UK follow suit?

A recently announced policy package will ease the burden of student debt for millions of Americans. Due to differences between the national systems of loans for higher education, a similar policy in the UK would not have the same effects, as it would be less well targeted at those on lower incomes.

Schools, universities & training

What have two years of interrupted schooling taught us about learning?

Covid-19 has disrupted education for children and young people around the world. Stalled progress in learning continues, as does widening inequality. Additional support for schools is urgently needed to reduce learning gaps.

Aid & international development

What are the big economic challenges facing Lula's government in Brazil?

Brazil’s new president faces several domestic and international challenges. Rising poverty and inequality, together with the lingering effects of Covid-19 and management of the Amazon rainforest, dominate the policy agenda. Repairing the country’s international reputation is also critical.

Data stories

World Cup 2022 update II: Ramenez la coupe à la maison?

Shock defeat for Brazil and another heart-breaking exit for England have left France as World Cup favourites. Their chances of lifting the trophy are 40%, just ahead of Messi’s Argentina (39%). Croatia (12%) and Morocco (10%) remain outsiders, but in a tournament full of upsets, nothing is certain.

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