Supporting the UK’s Workless – An International Comparative Perspective

an article by Mike Danson (Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK), Ailsa McKay (Glasgow Caledonian University, UK) and Willie Sullivan (Common Weal, Biggar, UK) published in Social Policy & Administration Volume 49 Issue 2 (March 2015)

Abstract

Within and between nations, spatial inequalities in relation to health, labour markets and employment shape the barriers faced by those trapped on disability benefits, and thus create challenges for public policy.

To provide context for such analyses and policy discussions, this article presents evidence on levels of poverty, welfare support and inequality across Europe. It compares and contrasts especially the position and support for those out of or at the margins of the labour market under different welfare states to reveal the significant differences between the UK on the one hand and the Nordic and Benelux countries on the other hand.

Applying insights from theories and practices of endogenous growth, universalism and inclusion, it is demonstrated that lessons are to be learnt from the better economic and social performances of the more inclusive and coherent nations of northern Europe. In particular, it is argued that the very high levels of poverty and inequality inherent in the neo-liberal policies of the UK cannot generate the conditions for simultaneously reducing public sector deficits and stimulating demand so that worklessness and exclusion inevitably will continue.

The article concludes that an alternative social democratic paradigm is required based on solidarity, equity and fiscal responsibility to address this self-defeating feedback.

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The Economic Performance of European Cities and City Regions: Myths and Realities

an article by Lewis Dijkstra (European Commission, Brussels, Belgium), Enrique Garcilazo (OECD, Paris, France) and Philip McCann (University of Groningen, The Netherlands) published in European Planning Studies Volume 21 Issue 3 (March 2013)

Abstract

The ever-increasing concentration of people and economic growth in the largest cities relative to the rest of the country has slowed down or even reversed in many of the developed European countries over the last decade.

This trend contradicts what the global cities, urban economics and new economic geography literature would predict.

This trend can be interpreted from two points of view:

1. the trend is due to large obstacles to further large city urbanization and thus is inefficient or
2. this trend highlights alternative pathways to growth than the mega-city approach and may be as, if not more, efficient.

This trend may be linked to Europe’s uniquely polycentric urban structure with high number of small- and medium-sized cities. In addition, improvements in the access to services, including broadband, outside large cities may have facilitated the higher growth rates of smaller centres and rural regions and increased their appeal for residents and firms.

Last but not least, negative externalities in the large cities, such as congestion costs, pollution, labour crowding and high cost of living, may increase the appeal of smaller centres and rural regions.

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Cities Outlook 2013 - an overview

via Centre for Cities by Alexandra Jones

Today [21 January 2013] we launched our sixth Cities Outlook report (PDF 68pp), our annual index of the economic performance of 64 UK cities and towns.

It’s another really rich report, from fascinating individual facts (did you know that Cambridge has more patents approved than the next 10 cities put together?) to insightful longer term trends about what makes cities economically successful over time. See www.citiesoutlook.org or our Factbook if you’d like further details city by city.

This year it’s clear that the fundamentals still matter most: the cities with the highest skills levels, strong transport connections and a mix of industries are the ones that perform best, whether in boom years or during the downturn.

But there are also some surprises, illustrating the extent to which cities can be affected by individual employer decisions.

Continue reading

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Growth and productivity: UK economic performance since 1997

CEPCP366 by Dan Corry, Anna Valero and John Van Reenen published in CentrePiece - The Magazine for Economic Performance (May 2012)

A common view is that the performance of the UK economy between 1997 and 2010 under Labour was very weak and that the current economic problems are a consequence of poor policies in this period.

In this report, we analyse the historical performance of the UK economy since 1997 compared with other major advanced economies and with performance prior to 1997, notably the years of Conservative government, 1979-97.

We focus on measures of business performance, especially productivity growth. This is a key economic indicator as in the long run, productivity determines material wellbeing – wages and consumption. Productivity determines the size of the “economic pie” available to the citizens of a country.

Full article (PDF 4pp)

This article summarises UK Economic Performance Since 1997: Growth, Productivity and Jobs, by Dan Corry, Anna Valero and John Van Reenen, Centre for Economic Performance Special Paper No. 24, December 2011 which (PDF 92pp) you can access here.

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