This paper shows the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance recorded as resident in each constituency in the United Kingdom in March 2009, together with comparisons with the levels in March 2008 and March 1997. This paper also presents residence-based unemployment rates for all 646 constituencies in the United Kingdom.
This is a report of the House of Commons Committee Stage of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill. It complements Research Papers 09/14 and 09/15 prepared for the Commons Second Reading debate.
The 2009 Budget will be presented by the Chancellor on 22 April. This note provides background on recent developments and forecasts for the economy and public finances.
This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries for selected indicators. [Article: The London Summit: background and outcomes]
The global financial crisis has been tumultuous for Iceland. Until recently considered a rich, successful and competitive nation, Iceland suffered a dramatic collapse of its economy and currency following the collapse of its banking sector in October 2008. It was forced to negotiate a loan from the IMF and further financial support from a number of countries, and saw the fall of its government. The crisis has led to renewed suggestions that Iceland may apply to join the EU and adopt the euro. Following the Government's fall in January 2009, a caretaker Government took over in February and elections are expected on 25 April 2009. The major partner in the caretaker left-wing coalition, the Social Democratic Alliance, was a member of the previous administration and is strongly pro-EU, but its new partner, the Left Green Movement, has said it will continue to oppose EU membership.
This note describes the background to the Government's announcement in the 2008 Budget that it would withdraw the 'staff hire concession' from 1 April 2009.
Members of Parliament often express interest in incomes at a local level, and at the Parliamentary constituency level in particular. However, limited income statistics are available for smaller geographies, such as constituencies. This note outlines what is available at the constituency level.
This paper shows the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance recorded as resident in each constituency in the United Kingdom in February 2009, together with comparisons with the levels in February 2008 and February 1997. This paper also presents residence-based unemployment rates for all 646 constituencies in the United Kingdom.
The European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries have been renegotiating their relationship. A series of interim Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) were signed with a number of ACP countries towards the end of 2007, as well as a more comprehensive EPA with the Caribbean ACPs.
This note updates with recent developments, and outlines some of the criticisms there have been of EPAs and the negotiations.
This is a report on the Committee Stage of the Welfare Reform Bill. It complements Research Papers 09/08 and 09/09 prepared for Commons Second Reading.
This note describes proposals for a flexible new deal. This would involve changes to the existing new deal programmes and the involvement of private and third sector organisations to provide personalised assistance to job seekers.
This Bill would amend section 8(5) of the Industrial Development Act 1982 and section 1(1) of the Export and Investment Guarantees Act 1991. The Bill proposes to increase the total level of financial support to industry allowed under section 8 of the Industrial Development Act 1982. The Bill also proposes to widen support provided by the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) to include exports that have already taken place.